Meall Lighiche, Glen Coe. 24th September 2012

During the night the wind speed had picked up to gale force with the odd shower of heavy rain that woke us every now and then. By the morning the wind was ferocious and it was raining. I looked out of the tent and things were looking miserable so I suggested that we have a lie in and a lazy breakfast in the hope the weather would improve.

Aonach Dubh a Glinne, Glen Coe. 24/09/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The plan worked and by late morning the rain had passed. We decided to walk a hill called Meall Lighiche that sits just out of sight of the A82 at the head of Glen Coe. Vickie drove the short distance along the A82 from the Kingshouse and parked at an unmarked car park (NN120563). We changed into our walking gear just beside the car packed up our lunches and spare bits and pieces and began the walk in.

Meall Lighiche, Glen Coe. 24/09/2012  (Photo: A J Thorley)

From the car park walk along the road towards Glencoe Village and cross over the road to a 4x4 track (NN118565) that leads south into Gleann Leac na Muidhe. Continue on this track until you reach a signposted diversion that takes you around the cottages (NN114552) on the southern side of the cottages and then returns to the track. Pass through the farm buildings using the gates and stiles. The shepherds were busy tending to their flocks of sheep when we passed through and we were almost knocked off our feet by all the sheep. The 4x4 track soon fades to a path as it turns to the left where it meets Allt na Muidhe (NN105545). Ignore this path and cross the river and a fence runs up the hillside with a faint path beside it. Follow this path until it is possible to leave it (NN103543) and walk up the broad north ridge (NN102537) of Meall Lighiche to Creag Bhan (NN102531) there is no foot path.

Gleann Leac na Muidhe with the Aonach Eagach Ridge in the background, Glen Coe. 24/09/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Arriving at Creag Bhan we were exposed to the full force of the wind which at times was preventing us from walking. Looking around we had fabulous views of the Aonach Eagach behind us, to our left Sgurr na h-Ulaidh and in front of us we could see the broad sweep of the ridge that leads to the true summit of Meall Lighiche and to the right of that stunning views of Beinn a Bheither. We struggled against the wind and picked up the line of fence posts that leads directly to the summit (NN094528). On our arrival at the summit we were greeted with heavy rain that was being driven so hard by the wind it was painful when it hit your face. Soaked to the skin in minutes we simply turned around and descended the way we had come.

Beinn a Bleithir from Meall Lighiche, Glen Coe. 24/09/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The rain passed by the time we reached the floor of the glen but the wind was unrelenting. We took shelter by one of the small plantations of trees to eat and have a little to drink before walking back to the car. Luckily the wind dried all our clothes as we walked back. It was relief to jump in to the car and get out of the wind. It was early evening so we called into the Glen Coe Visitor Centre before returning to the tent at the Kings House Hotel. Driving back past Loch Achtriochtan the wind was blowing with such force the water from the loch was hitting the car as if it was raining, there was also tree branches flying across the road one of which just missed us. We settled in the tent for the night and hoped that following day things would improve.   

The summit cairn on Meall Lighiche looking west towards Fraochaidh, Glen Coe. 24/09/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)