Meall Chuaich, Drumochter

Kingussie and Newtonmore


Summary :	Meall Chuaich is a lumpy Munro which lacks many distinctive features; it is however a good viewpoint for upper Badenoch and Strathspey.
Terrain :	Tracks for the approach followed by an eroded path up the hill itself make this one of the simpler Munro summits.
Grade :		Distance :	14km/8.75 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	5 – 6 hours
Start :	Layby on A9 just south of Cuaich	Grid ref :	NN654867
Map :	View an OS map of the route Buy Explorer 394 – Atholl online	Ascent :	614m
GPS Route/ Waypoints :	Open this walk in QUO 2 Tell me more Open this walk in GPX format (compatible with Memory map etc)	Open this walk in Google Earth Tell me more Open all walks in Google Earth Tell me more
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1. Park in the layby on the east side of the A9, marked no. 94 and a short distance south of Cuaich cottages. A gate marks the start of a clear track which heads southeast and soon reaches a wider track alongside a concrete aquaduct. Turn left along this track, which remains beside the aqueduct.

Photo ©Bill Copland, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.

2. After a couple of kilometres the track crosses the aqueduct and the Cuaich hydro-electric power station is reached. This small station generates 2.5 MW of power; the aqueduct then carries the water to Loch Ericht to the southwest. Cross the bridge and continue on the track up the glen. A pipeline comes down from the hillsides to the right. Further on cross another bridge, over the Allt a'Choire Chais.

Photo ©Paul Birrell, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.

3. Shortly before Loch Cuaich is reached, turn right on the track leading up the glen of the Allt Coire Chuaich. This track soon passes a private wooden bothy, which is kept locked, and then crosses another bridge. Once over this, where the track bends right, a path goes off left through the heather, heading uphill. Take this path which ascends the wide shoulder of Stac Meall Chuaich, passing to the left of a line of grouse butts. Higher up it becomes wider and stonier.

Photo ©Paul Birrell, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.

4. The path bypasses the summit of Stac Meall Chuaich and curves eastwards to make a beeline for the top of Meall Chuaich. This 951m Munro summit is marked by several large cairns; it makes up for the comparative lack of interest during the ascent by being an excellent viewpoint. South and east are the vast featureless plateaux of the Drumochtor and Gaick tops, whilst northeast the Cairngorms summits can be picked out. The pick of the view, however, is north over Badenoch and Strathspey – Meall Chuaich's cornerstone-like position giving a fine outlook. The return is usually made by the outward routes.

Photo ©Ross Mathieson, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.

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Newtonmore and Kingussie Hotels and Inns
Newtonmore and Kingussie Bed and breakfasts
Newtonmore and Kingussie cottages
Cairngorms Hostels
Cairngorms campsites