Meall a'Phubuill is a rather rounded Corbett in a little visited area of moors and rounded hills above the heads of Glen Loy and Gleann Suileag. This is a worthwhile walk with some interesting views.
Summary
Mostly pathless hill though fairly rounded with slopes of grass and heather. The ascent to the ridge is steep.
Terrain
NN093847
Grid ref
15km/9.25 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
End of public road up Glen Loy at Achnanellan
[Map
of start point, satnav coords and directions]
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1. The walk begins at the end of the public road up Glen Loy. The parking shown on OS 1:25k maps by the bridge over the River Loy does not exist; instead, just before reaching a gate at Achnanellan there is room for a couple of cars to park on the right hand side at the foot of a track going off uphill, without blocking the track. Start by heading through the gate and passing a couple of houses. Below the last house continue on the track, passing through another gate to reach the open glen. The track passes below a spruce plantation on the north side of the glen, a sad contrast to the fine Scots pines seen to the southeast.
2. Beyond the plantation the track continues, becoming rougher as it reaches and passes through the scattered native trees of Brian Choille. The track deteriorates and becomes a path on this section. It is part of an old pony route through to Fassfern on Loch Eil and was once used to transport charcoal made using burners in the forest. The trees thin out completely as the path crosses a small burn beside the remains of a drystone dyke. From here strike off uphill, heading diagonally left to try to reach the lowest point of Druim Gleann Laoigh. The slopes, of heather at first and grassier higher up, are steep.
3. Once the bealach is reached the views really begin to open up. Ben Nevis looks quite magnificent behind. Right of Ben Nevis are the splendid mountains of Ardgour, whilst the other side of the ridge sweeps down into lonely Glen Mallie. The ridge is traversed by a drystone wall composed of massive stones; follow this to the west as it undulates through some peaty areas before gently climbing.
4. After about a kilometre 1and a half the ridge (and wall) bend to the right to reach a minor summit at point 747 metres. The slopes down into Coire nan Laogh are steep and the easiest route down is beside the wall, which soon turns left again to head down to the bealach. The ridge is a little rocky at times but there is a faint path by the wall, which gives out as the wide and featureless bealach is reached. Head across and then begin the ascent of the featureless summit dome of Meall a'Phubuill.
5. The slopes are easy and grassy and the wide plateau area is soon reached, though finding the summit cairn could be tricky in mist. The views are good, with Loch Eil visible to the south, though the massive and impressive bulk of Gulvain rather overshadows the summit, rising to the northwest. For the descent, return to the bealach.
6. From here rusty old fenceposts lead southwards into Coire nan Laogh. The best route is probably to keep to the right of the Allt Coire nan Laogh at first, crossing it once further down below some waterslides. Once on the east side, make a descending traverse southeast to eventually rejoin the old pony path near its highest point. Turn right and follow the path; it passes occasional birches before returning to the outward route at the edge of Brian Choille. Continue on the path and then the track to return to the start.
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