Rough and rugged but not a big hill.....Meall Mor (Moy)

Hill: Meall Mor (Moy)

Type: Sub2k

Height: 492m

I took another opportunity to take a break from driving and tick off a Sub2k which I knew started only 5 minutes off the A9.

I had read that there was a track going through some quarries to get to the base of the hill. I had not realised how extensive the quarrying is around here, it is big business.

As I got ready I noticed a butterfly in plants beside me, a Ringlet, my first of the year but you could almost count on one hand the different butterflies that I have seen, this poor summer has been a disaster for them.

The quality of the road I walked up told me that the quarrying in business is profitable, please could my street at home be as good as this?

House Martins were doing fly pasts over the ponds at the quarry, also present on the water Common Gull and Barnacle Geese.

The track became much rougher but still a construction track as I could see another large quarry ahead. It was humid and I had a bit of a sweat on, not often I have said that this year.

Long zoom shot

The views north were opening out as I climbed. A big raptor caught my eye, thought it was too big for a buzzard, zoomed in Golden Eagle confirmed.

First view

Skylark

End of track

Redpoll

The track turns round a heads south. Much deforestation and new planting all around me.

I saw someone ahead at a pick up truck, assumed it was a gamekeeper but I was wrong. He was an open ground spotter, nope I had no idea either. He was up here twice a month for 6 hours a day to record any species he sees. Yip information required, funded by a turbine company, there are already a few around so expect more as he had not seen much to record and not the Goldie.

Rough moorland bog hopping

After the track ends it is a short cross country hop. I knew it was a bit rough but in a scale of 10 this was a 10. The usual moorland of heather, bog and tussocks. But the area had been holed for tree planting but no planting carried out, presumably because of the proposed wind farm. Most of these holes were covered over by the natural growth so it was a case of slowly moving the feet, anchoring the poles and repeat, extreme care being taken as the poles did go down a long way at times. Had it been a longer crossing I would have passed as this was not a lot of fun especially as the flies buzzing me were growing in number.

The target nearest the hill

There were a couple of wooden boards planted which the spotter told me were notices for deer shooting. There was nothing on either board and the spotter said he had never seen a deer up here.

I found what I thought was an ATV track but it turned out to be a water course. Slightly easier walking so I followed it up to the flat area top of Meall Mor. Oddly the tree holes were more numerous up here so no let up. I did see some fresh deer tracks in the mud but there cannot be many of them.

Looking over the Moray Firth

Decent views from the cairn particularly north over Inverness and onward to the Ullapool & Torridon hills in the far distance. Of course the A9, I had forgotten how close I was to this, the traffic noise had been hidden.

Back the same way and for some reason the rough ground appeared more difficult but 25 minutes after leaving the top I was chatting with Mr Spotter.

Purple poppy don't think that I have seen one before

This we have in our garden

Returned the same way. At one of the quarries colour caught my eye and I saw some beautiful flowers growing through the stones. Some poppies that have either been seeded by the birds or were there in situ when the quarry started its operations. Nature surviving our destruction.

Overall an interesting and different short ramble. Although I am sure that my footsteps will never step on Meall Mor again.

Ascent: 352m

Distance: 8.01k

Time: 3.01

Wildlife: Redpoll; Golden Eagle; Common Gull; Meadow Pipit; House Martin; Common Blue; Reed Bunting; Skylark; Siskin;

Three Munros, nae views, a grey day.....Creag Meadaidh circuit

Hill: Carn Liath (1006m) (Grey Hill); Stob Poite Coire Ardair (1054m) (Peak of the pot of the high corrie); Creag Meadaidh (1128m) (Bogland Rock)

Type: Munro x 3

When I was compiling my original list of 100 Munros this circuit was on that list but for whatever reason was not part of the completed 100. Having achieved my target I was ticking off some of those hills that were on the original list. Now it is not about numbers but rather about walking hills that I really want to do.

Last night when I looked at the forecast I considered aborting as it was to be fog and very poor visibility from low levels covering all day. But this morning it hag changed to fog at higher levels and mist from lunchtime onward. Okay lets do it. Apologies not many snaps as the conditions up top were grey and more grey.

The parking area was already pretty full when I met up with my walking buddies. Some I knew including Gillian from my hometown and other groups walking companion. From here the cloud level looked to be around the 700m level, fingers crossed that it would rise. Nobody was late so a prompt start.

Clouds still lower than I hoped

We decided to go clockwise and get the biggest out of the way first which meant ascending the scree/boulder field rather than the more awkward descent.

Beautiful setting for the Lochan a Choire

A gentle rising gradient took about an hour to reach the Lochan a’ Choire and the mightily impressive rock cliffs of Coire Ardair. These are huge and considered to be the 2^nd best winter climbing routes in Scotland, 2^nd only to Ben Nevis. A privilege to see them close up.

Looks a lot flatter in the snap than it did on the day

Next was the awkward section up through the scree and boulders to the bealach ‘The Window’. On off track and lots of hands on light scrambling up the steep slopes. The weather had not improved but rather deteriorated so outer layers donned in the drizzle and cloud.

Looking above wild landscape

Across the plateau and the final climb to Creag Meadaidh, we had not followed the track in the photo

From the bealach it is another steep section to get to the plateau. Thankfully it was softer grass up top and about 1.5km of flat walking to the summit, bypassing the false cairn which is bigger than the real one. A short steep slope and Creag Meadaidh was reached. Munro number 1 and just over 3 hours.

Back to the bealach and you can see back to the lochan

Reversed back along the plateau, the descent to the bealach seemed longer and steeper for some reason. Then the short stiff pull up to the 2^nd Munro of Stob Poite Coire Ardair. That did not seem to long and included a food break.

Now it was an undulating plateau walk to number three. The feel good factor of ticking of number 2 so quickly kind of diminished as there was just over 4km to walk along the plateau. Typical of a high plateau it was a mixture of grass and boulder sections making for easier and tougher walking. Not so good for good pacing.

Starting final descent towards Loch Laggan

On the descent a view back across to the lochan higher ground still in the clouds

Finally we were there with a brief weather window to see back to ‘The Window’ but overall a very disappointing viewing day.

For me the hardest part of the walk was this descent. It was steep and a knee was beginning to hurt. The track became a narrow muddy gloop fest and one heel slip left me with a nice covering of black dirty peat mud but at least I had kept on my over trousers so my main gear was protected for the car journey, others were not so fortunate.

Near the bottom it became a well constructed stone section which was great but no kinder on my knees.

Overall I was pleased that I did the circuit and if I had been bagging for the 100 I would have taken the day and its weather conditions. But, as these are now ‘for me’ trips, the lack of views were disappointing, but that is just another part of this crap Scottish summer.

Ascent: 1248m

Distance: 22.48

Time: 8.06

Wildlife: Common Frog; Hooded crow; House Martins;

An unrelenting ascent on a hard track and nae view.....Mullach Clach a'Bhlair

Hill: Mullach Clach a’Bhlair (The summit of the stony plain)

Type: Munro

Height: 1017m

Third time lucky for this ramble. Twice this year I have been in the area planning to do this but on both occasions there had been torrential rain. The problem for me as a solo walker was the two burns that have to be crossed. In spate conditions one at least is considered dangerous, so safety first I left them to another day. I remembered that one of the Glenmore Lodge instructors posted an interesting report when she got caught on the far side with the water levels too high to risk, even the experts get caught out. 

Yesterday the hills were covered in cloud but today's forecast was promising cloud free summit from 9am onward, better get cracking.

Driving to the starting point I could see my target which disappointingly was covered in thick cloud!

The walk is in two parts. It starts with a long walk in to the bottom of the hill. Then an estate track takes you all the way up.

In recent years the River Feshie has suffered from two major floods resulting in some of the original track having been washed away. Warning, the Walkhighlands map follows the old route but the narrative is correct. Even so there are a few points where you could go wrong and have to backtrack.

1st burn snapped on the way back. Its width could be the issue in deep fast flowing water.

I reached the 1^st burn and it is easy to see how it could be dangerous width its width. Even today feet had to go under the water for a couple of steps.

Nearly missed the cut off

An example of River Feshie landslip

Burn 2 on the descent. Deeper and rocky could be a serious challenge in deep fast running water

The track is undulating over fairly open country before the 2^nd burn is reached. Not as wide but deeper today and again easy to see how it could be troublesome.

Then the forest section, lots of short ups and downs and a few false tracks to mislead.

Then I reached the fork where I turned left and stage 2 begins. Five kilometers of ascent with 700m gained.

The terrain is now a hard packed stony track that starts with a fairly brutal gradient that just goes on and on. I knew what my tactic was, simply head down, very slow steps, getting in that rhythm where I just grind it out without stopping.

Bikers ahead the top was clearer at this point

On one of my infrequent glances of what lay ahead I spotted a flash of blue. Turned out it was 2 MTB riders who were pushing their bikes. My tactic was working for me and I soon caught them, had a chat then moved on.

Getting closer to the top cloud coming and going

The gradient was ‘slightly easier’ but the cloud was now hovering around 800m with no signs of it moving but you never know.

When I reached the viewpoint, where you can look into the only real view of the climb, Coire Gharblach, I was looking into cloudy mist, maybe on the return.

With a whoopee I reached the flat of the plateau but there is still a bit to go with the positive that I could get off the hard pack onto softer grassy terrain, my feet were very happy.

Lots of tracks crossing the plateau but this is the one

Out of the gloom

Heading up the small hump to the summit the clouds lifted, I saw the small cairn, there was warmth and 30 seconds later it was gone.

Just a plateau and in the mist so decided I would go back to viewpoint for my food break, ever optimistic.

Met the bikers had another chat before going to the viewpoint. Sadly the clouds had not lifted and indeed seemed to be descending along with me.

Descending now below the clouds it was a nice day

Passed 3 more groups ascending but a very quiet Munro for a weekend.

Just before burn 2 on the descent the power of the flood and its devastation is huge. The water is out of sight just below the trees so see how wide it can get

Just wandered back the same way taking in the views down to Feshie Lodge and the wild terrain behind it. Through the tree section the track was dotted with Pine Martin scat, purple and blue the blaeberries abundant.

This Meadow Pipit kept posing so I had to take its photo

My legs were aching when I reached the parking area, but a was lot cooler as it had drizzled for the last half an hour, job done.

I was glad I got third time lucky despite no views from the top. For a single Munro it is a long round trip and although not the biggest ascent the constant aspect of it makes it a long slog, a wee toughie.

Ascent: 861m

Distance: 22.61km

Time: 6.03

Wildlife: Redpoll; Meadow Pipit; Siskin; Golden Plover; Blue Tit; Crossbill;

Living up to its name but not the forecast.....Sgor Gaoith

Hill: Sgor Gaoith (The Windy Peak)

Type: Munro

Height: 1118m

Despite the countless times that I have driven the A9 today was a new adventure for me as I had never cut off from the A9 into Glen Feshie. Kincraig and surrounding area many times but not into the deeper heartland.

Once again in this miserable summer the forecast was on the depressing side with VP visibility, snow showers on the top all day, -15 degree predicted and gusts of 45-50 mph. Bearing in mind the top is on the precipice of a 600m straight down drop the wind forecast was the most concerning.

Only two other cars in the parking area suggested other people were concerned about the forecast.

The walk starts on the level through a beautiful tree laden section of Beech and Caledonian Pine forest getting the legs loose before committing to the climb ahead, it is after all over 1100m even by Munro standards it is a biggie.

That's it way ahead

After crossing a burn the trees are largely disappearing and the opening views are impressive including the contouring trail we will be taking.

The clouds are low but we have not entered them yet, fingers crossed. Looking back Badenoch is in sunshine, nope not annoyed.

Thankfully clouds lifted once we reached the plateau

We were following a pretty good track, slightly peaty and muddy at times but a good gradient with no difficulty.

At about the 850m mark the track takes a long right loop and U turn to get onto the plateau. The wind had been behind us helping us up the hill but thankfully not yet as strong as forecast. To negate the possibility of high winds on the plateau we decided to to leave the track at take a direct line up the hill. Much to the surprise of walkers coming behind who stopped for a check of the route before continuing on the track. 

Solo guy

A solo guy did come up past us on the slope but he did not navigate properly in the gloom and headed off the wrong way at the top. About 10 minutes later he sheepishly came past us again.

Clouds lifted quickly and the top appeared

The summit

The grass was short and although boulder strewn it was reasonable going. But it felt quite a long slog to the top. As we reached the plateau the cloud had descended but the shortcut meant we were very close to the summit. Initially in the gloom the cloud lifted and the craggy top was close by.

The track goes extremely close to the dramatic edge but you have to get very close to get the amazing views, with the gusts not as strong expected, but they were still there, so risk or reward views. I did stand a couple of feet back.

Looking down the green water of Loch Einich is stunning and vibrant but the snaps do not it justice. Equally enticing was the views across to the huge bulk of Braeriach and beyond, mightily impressive, again one of these vistas that only your own eyes will do it justice, not photos.

On the summit it was bitterly cold no shelter from the wind,including the frosted grass which strangely seemed to be growing pointing into the wind direction not against, highly unusual.

Wide plateau

Looking back over the broad plateau it is easy to see how navigation would be very difficult in bad weather with potentially serious consequences.

Start of our descent, Lairig Ghru below

A lot rougher than it looks, heading for that light green strip

We decided to descend by first heading to the Munro top of Meall Buidhe but it was so cold we changed our minds and decided to go cross country to meet with the ascent track but this was a long way away over very awkward terrain. The Allt a chrom-alltain had green verges so we headed for it as it looked easier going. Indeed it was, not great, lots of hopping side to side but better than the other stuff. We found a very old stalkers track, the irony being the deer tracks now it was their route. Again this was better going until it started climbing so it was time for us to get off it. We could see a couple of people on the main track. I reckoned 10-15 minutes of very rough going would get us there. So off we went and with some relief we got there. By the way I was not the walk leader but it now seemed like it.

Once on the track it was a straightforward descent although it seemed a lot longer than the ascent. A glider appeared and reappeared many times very close to the ground at times but I am sure the pilot knew what they were doing.

Overall we were fortunate with the weather being better than forecast. 

Walkhighlands describes it like this: ‘Sgòr Gaoith gives a superb, fairly short hill walk when approached from Glen Feshie. The ascent passes through some magnificent pinewoods before climbing the bare upper slopes to reach a vast plateau. The summit is extremely dramatic perched on the very edge of the vast broken crags that plunge down to Loch Einich; the views are superb.

Not a lot to add, a superb ramble with very interesting company, a good day out.

Ascent: 903m

Distance: 13.8km

Time: 5.55

Wildlife: Chaffinch; Red Deer hind; Red Grouse; Meadow Pipit;