Meall Ghaordaidh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Meall Ghaordaidh |
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Meall Ghaordaidh (centre) from An Grianan looking over Glen Lyon, with Stronuich Reservoir (bottom left)
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,039 m (3,409 ft) |
| Listing | Munro, Marilyn |
| Naming | |
| English translation | Possibly derived from gairdean (shoulder, hand or arm) |
| Language of name | Gaelic |
| Geography | |
| Location | Stirlingshire, Scotland |
| Parent range | Grampians |
| OS grid | NN514397 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 51 |
Meall Ghaordaidh is a tall mountain in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland. It stands about 10 kilometers (6 miles) north-west of a town called Killin. This mountain is quite special because it is one of Scotland's famous "Munros."
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Climbing Meall Ghaordaidh
People who enjoy hiking love to climb Meall Ghaordaidh. There are a few ways to reach its top.
Routes to the Summit
One popular way to climb Meall Ghaordaidh starts from Glen Lochay. This route begins near a place called Duncroisk. You follow a path that goes north-west. It can be a bit muddy in places, as it crosses peat bogs.
Another way to climb the mountain is from Glen Lyon. This glen is a long, narrow valley. From Stronuich, you can choose one of two paths. These paths are called Creag an Tulabhain or Creag Laoghain. Both of these paths lead you up to the summit.
What You Find at the Top
When you reach the very top of Meall Ghaordaidh, you will see a large circular wall made of rocks. This wall acts like a windbreak, protecting climbers from strong winds. Inside this rock wall, there is a special marker called a trig point. A trig point is a concrete pillar used by mapmakers. It helps them accurately measure and map the land. From the summit, you can enjoy amazing views of the surrounding Scottish Highlands.
What is a Munro?
Meall Ghaordaidh is known as a Munro. This is a special name for mountains in Scotland.
The Munro List
A Munro is a Scottish mountain that is over 3,000 feet (914.4 meters) high. Sir Hugh Munro first listed these mountains in 1891. There are 282 Munros in total across Scotland. Climbing all of them is a popular challenge for hikers. This challenge is known as "Munro bagging."
Other Mountain Types
Besides being a Munro, Meall Ghaordaidh is also a "Marilyn." A Marilyn is a hill or mountain of any height. It must have a "prominence" of at least 150 meters (492 feet). Prominence means how much a mountain rises above the land around it.
The Scottish Highlands
Meall Ghaordaidh is located in the Southern Highlands. This area is famous for its wild and beautiful scenery.
Landscape and Nature
The Highlands are known for their rugged mountains, deep valleys (glens), and sparkling lochs (lakes). The landscape is often covered in heather and peat. You might see different types of wildlife here. Red deer, golden eagles, and mountain hares live in these areas. The weather can change very quickly in the Highlands. It is important to be prepared for all conditions when visiting.
Location and History
Meall Ghaordaidh is in Stirlingshire. This is a historic county in Scotland. The name "Meall Ghaordaidh" comes from the Gaelic language. It might mean "shoulder," "hand," or "arm." This suggests the shape of the mountain. The Grampians are the mountain range where Meall Ghaordaidh is found.
