A horrible day on Meall Mor (Glencoe)

[rob munbett]

I was heading up for our group's annual trip to the Corran bunkhouse but the weather was predicted to be pretty poor with strong winds, heavy rain and low cloud. Added to this, I was struggling a bit with a problem Achilles tendon and shin splints. Hence the lengthy gap in reports. Still, I fancied a walk and this was a hill I felt I could manage. I had planned to save it for a good day but it was the best option on this particular day, I felt. Not to be, unfortunately.

I parked at the visitor centre and followed the black trail at the back of the car park, turning right on to a blue trail through a felled area for a short distance until it reached a wide, well surfaced forest road which meandered on a gentle incline all the way to the bealach between Meall Mor and the lower hill with the mast. So far so good. Here, a rough, very wet track led through an area of felled trees to the corner of a fence. I followed the fence until I reached a gate at NN095563. I went through the gate and started up the hillside. Ominously, though, the wind was getting up, making progress more difficult and the rain started to become heavy and dark clouds were scudding over the summits of even the lower hills. The last 150 metres of ascent were a bit of a battle with nothing to see but the rain stinging my face. It was a fast turnaround from the top! As always seems to happen, things cleared a bit as I got lower and decided to pop over to 'mast hill' which was clear to get some views and finally have a snack. It was a pleasant, easy stroll back down the forest road with good views to enjoy, despite the increasing pains in my shins.

The Pap and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh

Glencoe and Bidean

Ballachuilish and Sgorr Dhearg

Looking over to 'mast hill'

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