Meall Chuaich - A perfect winters day
Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2018 2:27 pm3rd weekend of 2018 and 3rd outing on the hills. The weather forecast looked as though it would be ok. Chose to tackle Meall Chuaich as the forecast suggested there might be a slight chance of a view. The other option we had was to get up Beinn Teallach in Glen Spean but a nice single munro at Drumochter was our decision.
In hindsight this was the perfect choice for two reasons: the weather turned out to be much better than expected and with everyone flocking to Glencoe ski resort and Nevis Range we fortunately missed the 6 MILE traffic jam due to plenty of idiots just parking at the side of the road. Thank god we chose East over West this week!
Left Greenock about 6am for the 2.5hr drive up to Dalwhinnie.
Parked up at the small layby #94 near Dalwhinnie at 8:30 and boy it was cold. Got the boots and extra layers on and the all important gaiters!
1 by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
Started to really appreciate early mornings when munro bagging. The sky was lit up beautifully as we made the short walk from the A9 along the track towards Meall Chuaich.
4 by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
The walk takes you alongside an aqueduct with the munro in shot the whole way.
5 by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
Up to this point the going was pretty easy due to the well maintained track which had been ploughed.
6 by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
As you near the base of the mountain you come across this little bothy which is situated in a great little secluded area. Door was locked so we couldnt go in for a closer look.
8 by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
The ascent was quite difficult due to the knee high snow most of the way we had to navigate through. Being the first ones up means we were providing a great service to those behind.
10 by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
We got to the summit just as the mist cleared and were treated to a stunning 360 view.
13 by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
Summit selfie at the top marking my 126th Munro!
26991628_10155661137043122_2237332104654932588_n by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
Great view on the way back down, much easier than the way up.
14 by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
Took a slight detour to Loch Cuaich to see the frozen surface.
15 by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
Back to the car just as the sun was setting on another fab day on the hills.
16 by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr
On the way home we stopped in at McKays (Pitlochry) for dinner to top it off.
In hindsight this was the perfect choice for two reasons: the weather turned out to be much better than expected and with everyone flocking to Glencoe ski resort and Nevis Range we fortunately missed the 6 MILE traffic jam due to plenty of idiots just parking at the side of the road. Thank god we chose East over West this week!
Left Greenock about 6am for the 2.5hr drive up to Dalwhinnie.
Parked up at the small layby #94 near Dalwhinnie at 8:30 and boy it was cold. Got the boots and extra layers on and the all important gaiters!
1 by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrStarted to really appreciate early mornings when munro bagging. The sky was lit up beautifully as we made the short walk from the A9 along the track towards Meall Chuaich.
4 by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrThe walk takes you alongside an aqueduct with the munro in shot the whole way.
5 by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrUp to this point the going was pretty easy due to the well maintained track which had been ploughed.
6 by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrAs you near the base of the mountain you come across this little bothy which is situated in a great little secluded area. Door was locked so we couldnt go in for a closer look.
8 by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrThe ascent was quite difficult due to the knee high snow most of the way we had to navigate through. Being the first ones up means we were providing a great service to those behind.
10 by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrWe got to the summit just as the mist cleared and were treated to a stunning 360 view.
13 by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrSummit selfie at the top marking my 126th Munro!
26991628_10155661137043122_2237332104654932588_n by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrGreat view on the way back down, much easier than the way up.
14 by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrTook a slight detour to Loch Cuaich to see the frozen surface.
15 by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrBack to the car just as the sun was setting on another fab day on the hills.
16 by Matthew Thorburn, on FlickrOn the way home we stopped in at McKays (Pitlochry) for dinner to top it off.
