Boxing day bog trot: Creag Mac Ranaich, Meall an t-Seallaidh

[malky_c]

(Approximately the same as the Walkhighland route, but different start and more circular. See below).

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Not really such a bog-trot, just lots of deep snow. Snow down to sea level from the off. Left the Dundee later than planned, but the drive over was much cleared than expected. Investigated parking at Edinchip, but didn't seem to be anywhere convenient, so carried on to the old post office at Balquidder Station. Used cycle route + old railway from here to Glen Kendrum, and went up Achubhmore Hill - 4x4 track lower down, soft snow higher up. Hit semi-white-out on 789m foresummit, so had to take bearing. Fence posts all the way though, so probably could have managed without. Only one brief view of Ben Vorlich/Stuc a Chroin before disappearing into clouds. Camera didn't like cold and refused to function hence no photos. Not that there was much to see.

Met snow-shoe tracks at summit, aided navigation across Cam Chreag down to 590m col. Short icy section off Cam Chreag. Axe out, but left crampons in bag. Very slushy snow below this, but some cloud clearing. Slushed way up steep side of Creag Mac Ranaich, following snow-shoe tracks again. No proper views but occasional clearing and hint of sunshine. Thought of circuit over Meall Sgallachd, but lack of visibility + newly extended track all the way up Glen Kendrum to the 590m col meant this didn't appeal, so returned roughly same way. Very steep hill, this one, with some impressive crags glimpsed on the way down the glen. Bit of a slog back to the car due to soft snow, but the track made it easy. All in all despite disappointment on the scenery front (weather forcast had been a bit better), still nice hills, would do again.