Meall nan Tarmachan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Meall nan Tarmachan |
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Meall nan Tarmachan from the south.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,043 m (3,422 ft) |
| Prominence | 492 m (1,614 ft) |
| Parent peak | Ben Lawers |
| Listing | Munro, Marilyn |
| Naming | |
| English translation | Hill of the ptarmigans |
| Language of name | Gaelic |
| Geography | |
| Location | Perth and Kinross, Scotland |
| OS grid | NN585390 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 51 |
Meall nan Tarmachan is a tall mountain in the Southern Highlands of Scotland. It stands near the village of Killin, just west of the larger Ben Lawers mountain. Its name comes from Gaelic, meaning "Hill of the ptarmigans." This gives a clue about some of the cool wildlife you might find there!
Meall nan Tarmachan is a popular spot for hikers. It is often climbed as part of a longer walk along the Tarmachan ridge. This ridge includes other peaks like Meall Garbh, Beinn nan Eachan, and Creag na Caillich. These other peaks are called "Tops" rather than "Munros."
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About Meall nan Tarmachan
Meall nan Tarmachan reaches a height of 1,043 metres (3,422 feet) above sea level. This makes it one of Scotland's highest mountains. It is known as a Munro, which is a special type of Scottish mountain.
What is a Munro?
In Scotland, a "Munro" is a mountain that is at least 3,000 feet (914.4 metres) tall. There are 282 Munros in Scotland. Climbing them all is a popular challenge for many hikers. Meall nan Tarmachan is also a "Marilyn," which is a hill with a certain height difference from its surroundings.
The Tarmachan Ridge Walk
The Tarmachan ridge is a fun adventure for experienced walkers. It connects Meall nan Tarmachan with three other peaks. These are Meall Garbh (1026 m), Beinn nan Eachan (1000 m), and Creag na Caillich (914 m). Walking the whole ridge involves some scrambling. This means you might need to use your hands as well as your feet to climb over rocky parts.
Climbing Meall nan Tarmachan
Most people start their climb of Meall nan Tarmachan from the east. They follow a road heading north from the Ben Lawers visitors centre. This centre is part of the National Trust for Scotland's Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve.
Starting Your Climb
From the visitors centre, the path to the summit is not too difficult. It is a relatively short walk for a mountain of its size. However, like all mountains, it's important to be prepared for changing weather. The views from the top are amazing. You can see across the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
What You Might See
As you climb, you'll be surrounded by stunning natural scenery. You might spot different types of plants and birds. The fresh mountain air is invigorating. It's a great way to experience Scotland's wild beauty.
Wildlife on the Mountain
The name "Meall nan Tarmachan" tells us about one of the special birds found here. The rock ptarmigan is a fascinating bird that lives in cold, rocky places.
The Rock Ptarmigan
The rock ptarmigan is a type of grouse. It is famous for changing its feather colours with the seasons. In summer, it has brown and grey feathers to blend with rocks. In winter, its feathers turn white. This helps it hide in the snow. These birds are well-adapted to life in the mountains. They are often seen near the summits of Scottish peaks.
