Meall Greigh

[Alerigg]

Dad and son staying near Killin on a half term break hoping for bright sunny days and snow covered peaks; the forecast was ropey at best when we arrived on Monday evening but by 9pm it had improved enough to say dry after 11am so we thought we would give Meall Greigh a shot.

Set off at 10am having parked in the Ben Lawers Hotel Car Park, no other option in Lawers village. Standard route from the road up to Machuim farm and then followed the path up through the woods that are part of the BenLawers Nature reserve and over a couple of stiles. Strong SW wind blew rain and then sleety snow in and as we came out of the trees I nearly put waterproof trousers on but 14 year old son’s confidence in the Rain Today App said it will go off in 10 minutes. What do you know it did indeed go off in ten minutes. Brisk southwesterly wind stayed with us and we were soon dried out but it had left enough snow to pretty much cover the path. Stayed east of Ben Lawers river and I think was misled by a white arrow post that suggested going straight on rather than up what even in the snow looked like a path going NE up Sron Bheag to Sron Mhor. We then came to a foot bridge marked on the OS Explorer; oops too far up the path. We struck off straight to the N from the foot bridge up Sron Mhor then NW joining the ridge above the 805M peak of Sron Mhor. No path and not a conventional route but the fresh snow made the going easy although steep and the wind was whipping up spin drift.

The walk up Sron Mhor was entirely secondary to the spectacular views opening up behind us of Meall Garbh, An Stuc and Creag an Fhithich. The sun was out, they were covered in fresh snow and it was just a fantastic winter scene. Having joined the main ridge the strong southwesterly wind was side on and with that and the slope it was a hard pull to the top of Meall Greigh, but on fresh snow underfoot it was straightforward enough. Summit reached just short of three hours. Great views all round although too cold to linger.

Followed the ridge round to the 930M point then struck off south heading for the dam near the top of Lawers Burn. We soon got out of the wind and had a leisurely descent spending plenty time looking at the slopes above Lochan nan Cat which looked as great as any Scottish mountain can look in winter.

Lunch taken in a very sheltered spot but the Rain App said rain was due in an hour and sun had gone so it was time to crack on down to the dam. Stayed on the west of Lawers Burn on a path above it until level again with the foot bridge when we rejoined the path. Final high for the day was coming upon seven hinds seeking shelter in the edge of the woods, until we disturbed them. Bang on time as we got to the farm in just under the hour the rain started. Rather wet final 15 minutes back to Ben Lawers hotel.

Son’s first winter outing, he was impressed! My first for a long long time and I was reminded just how spectacular Scotland’s mountains are!

[The English Alpinist]

Fantastic winter scene indeed You have to take a bit of a chance with weather, and you got your just reward. The sooner I get my own teenage son on an expedition with me the better, perhaps, so I can benefit from his modern 'app' expertise

[Emily-18-5]

Quality hillwalking, due to this informative and descriptive account of what you say is a beautiful walk I would now love to visit this peak one day, its on my bucket list. Excellent photography too. Magnificent stuff. Thanks for the recommendation.

[HalfManHalfTitanium]

Quality hillwalking, due to this informative and descriptive account of what you say is a beautiful walk I would now love to visit this peak one day, its on my bucket list. Excellent photography too. Magnificent stuff. Thanks for the recommendation.

I agree. Meall Greigh is an excellent hill, and an ideal one to do in winter.

I expected the ascent (in autumn) to be easy but dull - but the views were stunning.

IMG_1727 (1) by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

IMG_1758 (1) by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr

[jmarkb]

Nice report! It's a good hill on its own for a relatively straightforward winter outing, and a handy Plan B if the Lawers road is closed or too snowy for comfort. There is also a worthwhile alternative approach from Fearnan, which has ample parking.

[Alerigg]

Fantastic winter scene indeed You have to take a bit of a chance with weather, and you got your just reward. The sooner I get my own teenage son on an expedition with me the better, perhaps, so I can benefit from his modern 'app' expertise

Thanks; photography, Apps and having route descriptions on the phone are skills I don’t have! I’m an old fashioned map and compass type!