As I got to Loch Tulla I hit a blanket of fog, eventually rising above it as I approached the viewpoint carpark just North of the Loch. I just had to pull in and savour it, and I wasn't the only one, as car after car pulled in and out came the occupants with their cameras. This is the scenery the tourists come here for, and today, Scotland wasn't disappointing them!!
- Orchy hills
- Beautiful
Another few minutes up the a82 and I was pulling in again, this time for Buachaille Etive Mor, it has to be one of the most beautiful sights in the country on a day like this, and with the Aonach Eagach Ridge just beyond, this only added to the attraction.
- The Bookil
- Zoomed
Eventually I dragged myself back into the car and got myself to the White Corries carpark. By now I was slightly worried about time, as it was 11.30 by the time I was on my merry way, thankfully the headtorch and plenty spare batteries were packed.
I can't say the plod up the start of this walk under the chair lift is the most inspiring I've ever done, but some nice waterfalls along the Allt na Giubhas helped keep the interest levels up.
- No skiers today
- Waterfall
Once onto the level ground both of todays targets came into view, but it was craggy Sron na Creise that stole the limelight. I headed right over two small bridges, and from here to the start of the Meall a'Bhuridh ridge the going was soggy to say the least, and a few back tracks were required.
Behind me, beyond the chair lift, was Rannoch Moor stretching towards Schiehallion and the Lawers range, and to the North The Mamores and The Ben, which sat with its head in the clouds. I also took a little wander off course for a better view of Stob Dearg which was peeking out behind Sron na Creise on the other side of Glen Etive.
- The two bridges
- Creise, Stob a'Ghlais Choire & Sron na Creise
- Meall a'Bhuiridh
- Rannoch Moor and distant Schiehallion & Lawers range
- Stob Dearg zoomed
- The Mamores & The Ben
- Zoomed
Eventually I dragged myself away and pushed on up the ridge towards the boulders, which were coated in frost, and care had to be taken here. Finally made it to the summit, and even with the increasing amount of cloud around, the view was breathtaking, and I only wish I had more time to take it all in. Got a few snaps, took on some much needed sandwiches, chocolate and water, and headed for the fine looking ridge over to Creise.
- Summit
- View North
- Loch Tulla and Orchy Munros
- Ridge towards Creise
The ridge leading towards Creise was a delight, with little Loch an Easain far below to the left and Cam Ghleann to the right with its attractive Gorge
- Loch an Easain
- Cam Ghleann
- Route upto plateau
- Towards Creise summit
Again fine views which I didn't really have time to fully appreciate as it was now pushing 4.00pm and I wanted to be back over Meall a'Bhuiridh's summit and over the frosty boulders before light faded completely. Thankfully I just about done that, but the rise back upto a'Bhuiridh was a struggle at the pace I had to go. I got down onto the flat plateau and got the headtorch out, and it was a slow plod through the bogs back to the chairlift, slipping and sliding along the way, and landing twice on my bahooki!! finally I could see the lights of the Ski Centre below me, but it was now pitch black and progress was slow. Eventually I made it off in one piece, but was cursing having slept in and having to descend in darkness. Was it worth it??? You bet it was!!!!
A few views from Creise summit...
- The Big Buachaille in all its glory
- Glen Etive
- Me at the summit cairn
- Setting sun
