Meall Chuaich is a lumpy Munro which lacks many distinctive features; it is however a good viewpoint for upper Badenoch and Strathspey.
Summary
Tracks for the approach followed by an eroded path up the hill itself make this one of the simpler Munro summits.
Terrain
NN654867
Grid ref
14km/8.75 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Users'
rating
Public transport
1. Park in the layby on the east side of the A9, marked no. 94 and a short distance south of Cuaich cottages. Head north along the verge to reach a gate marking the start of a clear track - this is often locked but can be climbed. Follow the track as it heads southeast and soon reaches a wider track alongside a concrete aqueduct. Turn left along this track, which remains beside the aqueduct.
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; ignore the track that heads off beside this and pass it on the left. Ignore a small track branching off left and continue ahead, crossing another bridge further on over the Allt a'Choire Chais. 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.
3. 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. The path bypasses the summit of Stac Meall Chuaich and curves eastwards to make a beeline for the top of Meall Chuaich.
4. 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 retracing the outward route.
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