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Meall an Dobharchain (The Sow of Atholl)

Corbett
Quick Facts
This is the height of the mountain above sea level. However, on the climb, it is the ascent that matters, i.e. the sum of all the uphill parts of the route.
Altitude
803 m (2634 ft)

This is the standard notation used on Ordnance Survey Landranger maps.

Each reference consists of two letters identifying a 100,000 metre square block then three digits defining the Easting and finally the three digits defining the Northing with reference to the South West corner of the block.

NN166712 is the grid reference for the summit of Ben Nevis. Where you are given the map number ( For Ben Nevis = 41) it is acceptable to omit the two initial letters e.g. 166712. (Instructions on how to read the references are given on the OS maps).

Grid Ref.
NN62487413
An indication of this mountains height rank within its class. Where two mountains share the same height they are ordered alphabetically.
Stature
156 of 222 Corbetts
The number of ascent routes currently available on Munromagic.
Routes
1
Mountain names are usually in Gaelic, the native language of the Scottish Highlands, or have been derived from the old Scots and Norse languages. We give the most commonly accepted meaning, but accept that some of these are disputed.
Meaning
Rounded hill of the watercress
 

The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.

OS Landranger Maps Required
  42   Glen Garry & Loch Rannoch
 

A description of the characteristics of the mountain including any hazards of which you should be aware.

  Description
Meall an Dobharchain, also known as the Sow of Atholl, is a steep conical peak to the E of Sgairneach Mhor (Munro).

These two peaks are connected at col (635m) and should be climbed together. The SE slopes are less steep and offer a short climb from Dalnaspidal Lodge on the A9.

Hazards you may encounter on Meall an Dobharchain (The Sow of Atholl) include
 Steep slopes on or near ascent routes.
 Stony/rocky Slopes on or near ascent routes.
 
General Considerations
 Temperature decreases by 1degree C for every 100m of ascent.
 Wind usually increases with altitude.
 Visibility can change markedly with cloud level.
 River/Stream levels can increase markedly in one day.
Picture Gallery for Meall an Dobharchain (The Sow of Atholl)

The Sow of Atholl from the slopes of Meall na Leitreach

© Alistair Craig
Image by Alistair Craig

The Sow seen from Meall na Leitreach

© David Peden
Image by David Peden

Looking to the summit beyond the small unnamed loch near the lodge 14/07/2015

© Eileen Stark
Image by Eileen Stark

Meall an Dobharchain with An Torc on the right 19/03/06

© Alistair Craig
Image by Alistair Craig
 

A selection of weather forecasts local to #GetMountain.Top_Name#.

Ordnance Survey digital maps are also available to members.

  Weather & OS Maps
Southeastern Highlands
by MWIS (PDF format) 		East Highlands
by Met Office 		Beinn Bheoil
by Metcheck
Meall an Dobharchain (The Sow of Atholl) Area Map
Legend  Munro  Corbett  Graham  English/Welsh Top  Accommodation

A selection of local accommodation options who advertise with Munromagic.com.

  Where to Stay
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sponsored accommodation listings for this area.

The summary information of one or more ascent routes that include Meall an Dobharchain (The Sow of Atholl).

Click on the route title to load the full content for that route.

  Routes that include Meall an Dobharchain (The Sow of Atholl)
  Ascent Distance Time Including... Description Rating
1 416 m 6.34 km 2.5 hrs Meall an Dobharchain (The Sow of Atholl)  A very short ascent. For a longer day, combine this hill with Sgairneach Mhor or Meall na Leitreach which also starts from Dalnaspidal. Not Yet Rated 
 

Pictures submitted by members on the summit of Meall an Dobharchain (The Sow of Atholl)

  Baggers Gallery for Meall an Dobharchain (The Sow of Atholl)

James doing his building work at the suummit cairn 14/07/2015

© Eileen Stark
Image by Eileen Stark

Having a seat on the cairn at the summit. Sgairneach Mhor to the rear. 14/07/2015

© Eileen Stark
Image by Eileen Stark

Cold at the top

© Alistair Craig
Image by Alistair Craig

David Peden, Myself and Tooty at summit , The Sow of Atholl 20/02/10

© John Donnelly
Image by John Donnelly
View All 7 Baggers Images for Meall an Dobharchain (The Sow of Atholl)
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Recently Climbed By
Tony Dick on 24 Mar 2024
James Lamont on 23 Feb 2024
Lily Russell on 13 May 2023

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Post a few words about Meall an Dobharchain (The Sow of Atholl) or read what others have had to say.

 Comments
 
Chris Bowles
wrote on
September 7, 2009
Parking can be add opposite the entrance to Dalnaspidal Cottage. After taking the track down to Loch Garry one can begin a gradual ascent up the Sow. Although not too steep it was boggy and at times the heather is quite high making for awkward progress. The summit views are good and because one starts at around 400m it does not take long to reach the top. Climbed this hill with its opposite neighbour Meall na Leitreach.
 
 

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