After getting up early this morning, I had a quick check of the forecast and decided all other chores should be put off in lieu of a hill day. It was to be clear all day, with 7c in the valley, after a frosty start, and 3c on the summits, but very cold in the 20-25 NW wind. Sunny, with high cloud. I decided to do Meall Ghaordaidh from the North, crossing the bridge at Stronuich in Glen Lyon. Glen Lyon was described by Sir Walter Scott as 'Scotland’s longest, loneliest and loveliest glen', and who am I to argue? Stretching for over 30 miles, it was once home to over 2,000 people. Today, the Glen’s residents number fewer than 100.
I have had a downer on poor old Meall Ghaordaidh for years, after an awful ascent during my first round of the munros in March 2002. It was a stormy day, with wet snow filling the peat hags, so was a toil as a consequence. I had vowed never to return, but the passage of time and some good weather is a great healer. I checked for stalking issues again (see my blog last week on Chesthill - Grrr!), and despite the excellent Meggernie Estate boards saying that there was a hill path, there wasn't at all, so I just picked my way that it had indicated. The going was always grassy and tussocky, weaving its way around the crags, but never technical, just steep.
I skirted Creag Laoghain, and ascended the centre of the East flank, where two burns come down into one. There was a shallower coire above, and I should have trended left, South, but instead went straight up. It looked OK, but the moss was frozen, and it was quite steep enough, thank you. Then it was a pleasant walk into the sun over frosty ground to be on top in less than 1hr 20min.
The views were excellent for the whole 360 degrees, and I had a good sit for a while with my flask. I was joined by a nice chap, Kerr, an off duty sailor, and we gossiped about all things munro. Before long it was too cold to linger, so after bidding farewell, I headed East to the bealach just before P890 , then turned North again down the wide coire, and was back down in less than 3hrs!
I always knew that any alternative to the standard route would be preferable, as I detest boggy walks, and particularly peat hags, and I wasn't disappointed. The long drive around to the end of Glen Lyon gives it a slightly wilder feel, despite the hydro paraphernalia and stalking lodges, and is well worth it in my opinion.
I have had a downer on poor old Meall Ghaordaidh for years, after an awful ascent during my first round of the munros in March 2002. It was a stormy day, with wet snow filling the peat hags, so was a toil as a consequence. I had vowed never to return, but the passage of time and some good weather is a great healer. I checked for stalking issues again (see my blog last week on Chesthill - Grrr!), and despite the excellent Meggernie Estate boards saying that there was a hill path, there wasn't at all, so I just picked my way that it had indicated. The going was always grassy and tussocky, weaving its way around the crags, but never technical, just steep.
I skirted Creag Laoghain, and ascended the centre of the East flank, where two burns come down into one. There was a shallower coire above, and I should have trended left, South, but instead went straight up. It looked OK, but the moss was frozen, and it was quite steep enough, thank you. Then it was a pleasant walk into the sun over frosty ground to be on top in less than 1hr 20min.
The views were excellent for the whole 360 degrees, and I had a good sit for a while with my flask. I was joined by a nice chap, Kerr, an off duty sailor, and we gossiped about all things munro. Before long it was too cold to linger, so after bidding farewell, I headed East to the bealach just before P890 , then turned North again down the wide coire, and was back down in less than 3hrs!
I always knew that any alternative to the standard route would be preferable, as I detest boggy walks, and particularly peat hags, and I wasn't disappointed. The long drive around to the end of Glen Lyon gives it a slightly wilder feel, despite the hydro paraphernalia and stalking lodges, and is well worth it in my opinion.