Sgorr a' Choise & Meall Mor, best views in the Coe.

[Johnny Corbett]

On the drive up i was undecided which walk i would do. Stob Dubh was a contender but Glen Etive was in low cloud as i passed. Bidean nam Bian was another but MWIS forecast was 10% chance of clear summit so i opted for the 2 wee Grahams, a walk i'd been keen on for a while now. Left from the A82 along the track, leaving it to first cross the river then climb over the unamed top and up the short steep climb to Sgorr a Choise. Normally this climb wouldn't have taken too long but the snow made it quite hard going and i was pretty knackered when i reached the summit, although the stunning views made up for it. On the way down a fellow walker was on his way up, following my steps in the snow. He was fairly shifting on so i decided to have lunch and by that time he'd be down and passed me and could then make the path up Meall Mor. My plan worked and i was soon following him up Meall Mor, again pretty hard going in the snow but graced with more superb views. From Meall Mor summit i decided to take the direct route back to the car which is very steep and it was on this descent i started to get very bad cramp in my legs, stopping 6 times on the way down for a good 5-10mins till the pain eased. I'd never had cramp in my legs while out walking and the only thing i can put it down to is the snow and i'm still suffering as i write this with pain in my inner thighs. The pain does ease when i think back to what a great walk this was with some wonderfull views.

Aonach Eagach

Sgurr na h-Udlaidh

Bidean nam Bian

Sgorr a' Choise

Fraochaidh

Beinn a' Bheithir & Sgorr a' Choise

Sgorr a' Choise

Bidean nam Bian

Meall Lighiche & Sgurr na h-Ulaidh

Summit

BaB

Glen Creran

Ballachulish

Sgorr a' Choise

Fraochaidh & SaC

Meall Mor and AE

AE & Bidean

Meall Mor summit

Loch Leven / Linnhe

AE

Bidean

Sgurr na h-Udlaidh

Glen Coe

[Gavin99]

You are spot on about the views from those two , top class . That steep descent from MM can't have been fun under snow and with cramp , hopefully the pain was only a once off . Salted peanuts are meant to be a good cure if it happens again

[rockhopper]

salt and bananas are supposed to help for cramp I think - cracking views Johnny....I've got these two hills noted from past reports as possibles for winter as well but not sure when - cheers

[L-Hiking]

Nice to see the snow covered tops and to read an alternative option in this wonderful area.

I agree with Rockhopper and Bananas work for me with plenty of H2O

[morag1]

I never thought I'd be able to say this so I'm going to enjoy it - I climbed this hill before you!!!!

A few years ago we went up Meall Mor by the logging track which you can access from the NTS visitor centre. This hill does give you lovely views, especially of the Pap. It was summer when we went up and my photos are full of greenery and waterfalls, very different to yours.

Hope your legs have recovered now

[ChrisW]

Stunning pics JC, sounds like you paid a price for getting them though . I've never had cramp as I eat far too much salt but walking in deep snow always leaves the legs stiff by the time I get home, and strangely it seems to use different muscles...can't say as I'm a snow lover (unless its frozen of course )

Still, well worth it mate for those spectacular views

[Scotjamie]

Suffered from cramp very horribly on the big buachaille many years ago. It was in stair rods of rain.... but still no idea why the cramp came on. Have carried 2 bags of salted crisps ever since - and never needed them

Great report and a great advert for doing these as soon as poss.

[Johnny Corbett]

Thanks for the replies. Bananas & salted peanuts it is, though i did have a banana which fell out of my pocket on the walk in and was still there on my way out. Legs still suffering so Morag could be the Union Canal for me next and well done getting up Meall Mor before me

[mountain thyme]

Excellent views ..... have you forgot how to use the timer

[Johnny Corbett]

Excellent views ..... have you forgot how to use the timer

It was too windy to be hanging about at the summits, plus it meant wading more snow to set up the camera, no chance

[quoman]

Nice report Johnnylovley picture's i like the last one superb i agree with the comments salted nuts or crisps you wrote i'm still suffering as i write this with pain in my inner thighs. that might be the lactic acid build up in your thighs google it to see what you think the remedy is a iced bath