free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Day 3 in Newtonmore, and today we headed to Loch Laggan for Creag Meagaidh and the two other Munros above Coire Ardair. Although we've driven along the A86 several times (including over the last few days), this was the first time we'd ever walked in this part of Scotland. Parked up in the shade at about 8am, with a gentle start to the walk through the wooded lower part of the nature reserve. There's a toilet and information displays at Aberarder:
Stunning views over Loch Laggan as we started to climb:
There were some enormous slugs around on the forest paths. After a mile or so, a small cairn marks the point at which to fork right towards Carn Liath. The branch path is narrow, rough and a little boggy, though we were grateful for the shade at first. Soon though we were out onto the open hill. Already warm, though with a welcoming breeze.
Early views of Coire Ardair:
Loch Laggan:
The path eventually fades away on the approach to Carn Liath, the first Munro of the day:
Mainly level walking for the next few miles, with a few strange clefts between the minor summits. Looking back to Carn Liath from Meall an t-Snaim:
Uinneag Min Choire:
Back to Meall an t-Snaim:
Finally the ridge narrows a little on the ascent towards Stob Poite Coire Ardair:
Looking back:
The summit of Stob Poite Coire Ardair (Munro no. 2) is right at the far end of a flat area:
Monadhliath in the distance, with an red gash on Carn Dearg in the foreground:
And the star of the show... Coire Ardair. What an amazing spot!
Descent towards The Window:
It seems somewhat surprising that Stob Coire Poite Ardair makes Munro status, as it's only just over 100 metres down before the reascent to Creag Meagaidh. The summit of Creag Meagaidh is at the end of another large plateau. Still a few snow patches around, though melting fast today! Looking north:
Mad Meg's Cairn with the main summit beyond:
True summit:
A speedy descent back to The Window. The path down to the coire begins promisingly...
...but deteriorates into a loose scree run as the gully steepens. Looking back up from the bottom with some relief:
The best of all saved til last:
Stopped for a paddle:
Finally, the long walk out through the beautiful glen. Though a sneaky reascent away from the burn at one point wasn't so welcome!
Another wonderful day of walking and weather in sunny Spain... Scotland, even!
Newtonmore 2019<< Previous day: Stob Ban, Mamores>> Next day: Craigellachie, Aviemore