The name Meall Dearg comes from Scottish Gaelic: "meall" (rounded hill/lump) + "dearg" (red) — roughly "red rounded hill".
Meall Dearg is a 644m (2113ft) Scottish mountain classified as a Munro Top, one of 1806 Munro Tops in Scotland. Check today's Meall Dearg summit weather including wind speed, temperature, rain risk and cloud cover before heading out. Mountain weather in Scotland can change quickly at this altitude.
Geology: The bedrock here is Applecross Formation — Pebbly (gravelly) sandstone — a sedimentary rock formed from compressed sand grains. Age: Tonian Period.
Planning to walk Meall Dearg? Our summit weather forecast shows live conditions at 644m including wind speed, wind chill, temperature, freezing level, cloud base and rain risk. The forecast updates hourly using data from 7 weather models blended into the HILLANDGLEN ensemble — accuracy-weighted so the best-performing models have the most influence.
Key conditions to check before climbing Meall Dearg: wind chill (the real temperature you'll feel on exposed ridges), freezing level (whether ice and snow are likely on the summit), cloud base (whether you'll have visibility at 644m), and wind gusts (which can be significantly stronger on exposed summits than in the valley below).
Meall Dearg weather can change quickly at 644m. Valley conditions often differ from the summit — our forecast applies lapse rate adjustments to give you the actual temperature and wind at the top, not the nearest town. Check the 14-day outlook to find the best day to walk Meall Dearg.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Meall Dearg?
Meall Dearg is 644 metres (2113 feet) above sea level. It is classified as a Munro Top in Scotland.
What is the weather like on Meall Dearg?
At 644m, conditions on Meall Dearg are noticeably different from the valley floor. Expect temperatures 4-6°C colder at the summit, stronger winds on exposed sections, and cloud that can sit on the tops. Check the live summit forecast on hillandglen.com for wind chill, rain risk and visibility before your walk.
Is Meall Dearg a difficult walk?
Meall Dearg at 644m is a hill walk requiring reasonable fitness. The main challenges are weather-related: wind, rain and poor visibility can make navigation harder. Check the summit forecast before setting out and carry waterproofs, warm layers and a map.
What is a Munro Top?
A Munro Top is a summit over 3,000 feet in Scotland that is not considered sufficiently separate to be a Munro in its own right. There are over 1,800 Munro Tops. Many are visited as part of ridge traverses between Munros.
When is the best time to climb Meall Dearg?
The best months for climbing Meall Dearg are typically May to September, when days are longest and weather is generally drier. June often has the best combination of long daylight hours and settled weather, with midges at their worst in July-August. Autumn can also be excellent with clearer skies and golden light.
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