At 1128m ( 3700ft )
Creag Meagaidh ranks at
number 30 in the Munros height table but it's a
comparatively straightforward ascent. The path
into Coire Ardair has been substantially
upgraded in recent years, making the climb an
attractive proposition for all ages.
From the large new car park, follow the path
to Aberarder farm and continue up into
Coire Ardair, keeping right where it divides
above the glen woodland. Continue ascending
more steeply towards the wooded shoulder of
Na Cnapanan to a small cairned path beside a
burn ditch on the right, at the start of a denser
section of woodland.
Follow the rocky zigzag path up and out from
the trees, continuing over boggy ground to gain
the col between Na Cnapanan and broad south
ridge of Carn Liath. The ridge offers a steady
ascent to the stony summit plateau, a large cairn
and fine views of the Creag Meagaidh cliffs at
the head of Coire Ardair.
Initially stony slopes are descended west to
pick up the main ridge line and pleasant grassy
going over Meall an-t-Snaim to a narrower and
rockier section leading to a notch in the ridge
below the well-defined summit of Sron Coire a‘
Chriochairean. Further grassy slopes lead round
to Stob Poite Coire Ardair, the second Munro of
the day. Drop down to The Window, the
prominent notch below, and plod your way up to
gain the Meagaidh plateau. The route isn't as
steep or as unpleasant as it looks and the
summit is reached in about 20 minutes.
A return can be made to The Window and the
Coire Ardair path, but the horseshoe on which
the mountain lies contours grassy slopes east
to Puist Coire Ardair above the cliffs and
traverses a ridge round the south side of
Coire Ardair to Sron a‘ Ghoire.
Descend east then north-east to the bealach
before the final rise and follow the Allt Bealach
a‘ Ghoire down towards Aberarder farm below.
The angle of the heathery corrie is moderate but
the going is wet and surprisingly slippery. An
indeterminate path on the north side of the burn
becomes clearer as height is lost until a track is
reached on the moorland below.
Follow this to a bridge over the Allt Coire
Ardair and the path network surrounding the
farm. Turn left and follow the path back to the
car park.
Route
Map for Creag
Meagaidh, Stob
Poite Coire Ardair and Carn Liath
