Creag Meagaidh. 3rd November 2012

Me putting on the socks given to me by SealSkinz to review. 03/11/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

 

The alarm clock went off exceptionally early as we were going to travel from Glasgow up to Creag Meagaidh and walk a circular route of three mountains. We arrived at the car park at 9am full of enthusiasm, the skies were clear and the sun was shining. This was also my 1st of day being sponsored by Sealskinz clothing who have asked me to review their equipment and write about my adventures using their equipment on their new blog.

The early morning view of Sron a'Choire from the Creag Meagaidh car park. 03/11/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Once we had checked and packed our equipment for the day we left the Scottish Natural Heritage car park and view point (NN483873) at Aberarder and walked along the well made foot path sign posted Lochan A Choire. We passed Aberarder (NN479875) and continued along the well made foot path to the edge of the forest where a small cairn (NN473882) marks the start of the ascent to Carn Laith. This foot path is badly eroded and very boggy in places making it hard work to get into a good walking rhythm. Soon we emerged on the open hillside (NN475884) and continued steeply uphill on the broad ridge directly to the snowy summit of Carn Laith (NN472903). The views were amazing and as far as the eye could see. We quickly munched on some of our snacks and drank a little water before moving on.

Vicks at the summit of Carn Liath. 03/11/12 (Photo: A J Thorley)

We walked in a westerly direction towards Meall an t-Snaim (NN459905) then over an unamed top (NN452902) and dropped steeply to a bealach before ascending again to Coire a' Chriochairein (NN448899). Descending a little from this point the broad ridge changes direction and starts to rise again in a south westerly direction over another unnamed top (NN437892) to Stob Poite Coire Ardair (NN429889). It was tough going as the snow was over knee deep in places and the wind speed had increased to gale force making standing up difficult. We did pause at times to rest and take in the views around us, the huge cliffs of Coire Ardair looked amazing. The wind speed continued to increase so we wasted no time in descending to the shelter of The Window (NN425885) where we enjoyed a well earned lunch.

The huge cliffs of Coire Ardair, Creag Meagaidh. 03/11/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Revitalised we continued in a southerly direction and ascended gradually up to the huge plateau of Creag Meagaidh passing Mad Meg's Cairn (NN423878) onto the true summit of Creag Meagaidh (NN418875). Again tough going as the snow was over knee deep and the wind seemed to be increasing even more. We wrapped up warm and waited for the sun to go down hoping for a spectacular sunset. It did not occur but we did get see spectacular views in all directions making it worth while, if was not for the biting wind it would have been amazing to stay up until the stars had come into view.

The views north from The Window. Creag Meagaidh. 03/11/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

With darkness starting to fall we crossed over the plateau in an easterly direction towards Puist Coire Ardair (NN437873) and then followed the broad ridge eventually turning north east to Sron a' Ghoire (NN448878). As we crossed the plateau the snow remained deep the wind eased and it started to snow a little as the cloud came down. As we descended the steep slopes in an easterly direction the snow started to get wet and wetter and eventually it disappeared. We continued to the river Allt Dubh where we crossed the river using a bridge (NN475875) just west of the farm and continued back to our starting point on the well made paths.

Vicks crossing the Creag Meagadh plateau. 03/11/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

As we returned to the car it was raining a little so we got with the task of pitching  the tent and settled down for the night. It was very mild and we had the tent open as we cooked supper. Over supper and a well earned beer we discussed our plans for the following day before turning in early.

Me on the summit cairn of Creag Meagaidh. 03/11/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)