Meall nan Subh

[Frigate]

Trying to hold off my 100th munro until all the gang can get together (any excuse for a party) so thought I would just sneak in Stuchd an Lochain but was foiled by the Lawers road.

On the way up there were several areas of ice on the road caused by water run off, the worst was about 15m long, take a good run and keep the wheels straight.
As I went round the first bend on the hill you could see all the passing places stowed with parked? abandoned cars, there must have been about 80 before reaching the car park, which was full. Here the road was rutted ice and freeze/thaw snow, no chance being by myself, so where to go.

I have completed the Munros in Glen Lochay but still one corbett outstanding.

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Distant Ben Challum from Kenknock

Lovely drive along the road in the sun and bagged the last parking space, booted and spurred for 11.50 and off up the road past the farm. There was an RAF MR vehicle parked in the car park and as I walked past Kenknock farm a SAR Seaking flew up the glen and took a right towards Heasgarnich.

Glorious views of the snow covered hills with bright sunlight colouring the snowy areas.

Ben More and Stob Bennein

Creag nam Bodach

Followed the road up until a likely looking route showed on the hill then off piste and the fun started.

General route upwards

At first it was try to avoid the snow banks as the were soft and did not offer support so follow the tussack grass upwards. As height gained this reversed and it was easier to walk on the snow - well relatively, still lots of soft deep patches to catch you unawares.

Disturbing the wildlife

Sgiath Chuil across Glen Lochay

I found it hard going especially on the calves but hey ho walk through it.

I was not navigating, well I mean I looked at the map and was going by salient features but not really following a bearing. The snow fields were dictating where I trod so it was a meandering course, aiming upwards.
On the ridge I climbed a knoll to get a view to find another higher knoll about 1/2km away so headed for it. Guess what another one was behind this one, then another. They were only 30-40m high but with the snow they could have been double this height.

Ist top

2nd top

At last

At last I made the true summit which towered right over Glen Lyon and what a view.
Meall Ghaordaidh is a straight forward, plain hill form Glen Lochay but with the three buttresses it is well impressive from Glen Lyon.

Pubil in Glen Lyon

Glen Lyon and the butresses of Meall Ghaordaidh

Meall Ghaordaidh

Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas peeking out

Lawers range

North west to Achaladair and others

The route back was a 'straight' line south towards the car park via a stone cairn.

Ben Vrlich and Stuc a Chroin

Way home via cairn

Glen Lochay

Car park (in the trees)

Kenknock and up the glen

Streamside chandelier

[Graeme D]

I enjoyed this one in summer, but it looks even finer in winter. And you're right about Ghaordaidh - definitely shows her finest side to Glen Lyon.

[davedanson28]

Cracking photo's, hurry up and get that 100! I was up Sgaith Chuil today, met the RAF guys, we took it in turns breaking track on the second Munro! I had gone up from the Dochart side, cracking day!

[pigeon]

A nice wee plan b Kev,where'd you get the camera from

[Frigate]

I enjoyed this one in summer, but it looks even finer in winter. And you're right about Ghaordaidh - definitely shows her finest side to Glen Lyon.

Thanks Graeme, I think there are some cracking areas to explore just off the established beaten track, just too many hills and not enough time.

Cracking photo's, hurry up and get that 100! I was up Sgaith Chuil today, met the RAF guys, we took it in turns breaking track on the second Munro! I had gone up from the Dochart side, cracking day!

Thanks Dave, how'd you get out without the wee man, I bet you were popular on return home.

A nice wee plan b Kev,where'd you get the camera from

That's three times now I've been frustrated by the weather for accessing Glen Lyon. The private link road from Glen Lochay to Glen Lyon was clear of snow as well - sigh.
Work decided to loan it to me, better than photographing pipes and tanks

[davedanson28]

No Wee Guy this time......he is confined to the lower slopes until the white stuff has gone.....mums orders following all the recent avalanches, he will be fully rested come spring!

[Silverhill]

The best way up Meall Ghaordaidh is definitely from Glen Lyon!
Stunning pictures of the winter wonderland

[Gavin99]

Nice one Kev , that looks like a more interesting route than the short way up from the top of the pass. How was the road over to Pubil , it looks like there are some serious potholes , were the gates locked ?

[Frigate]

Nice one Kev , that looks like a more interesting route than the short way up from the top of the pass. How was the road over to Pubil , it looks like there are some serious potholes , were the gates locked ?

Thanks Gavin, there are some serious holes mainly at the hairpin bends. The gates were shut but not locked had it not been late I may have been tempted to go fetch the car but had already wasted to much time trying the Lawers road.

[rockhopper]

Certainly was a great day last Saturday ! Know what you mean about that road - can get very slippery. Lovely views and very clear - cheers

[ScottishLeaf]

I was next door on Ghaordaidh.
What a day it was for walking in Glen Lochay.

That wee road is in terrible nick, really needing repairs, plenty of places for water to lie. Especially when the road passes the big pipe. I guess it'll be well down Stirling Council's list of priorities to fix though.

[Frigate]

I was next door on Ghaordaidh.
What a day it was for walking in Glen Lochay.

That wee road is in terrible nick, really needing repairs, plenty of places for water to lie. Especially when the road passes the big pipe. I guess it'll be well down Stirling Council's list of priorities to fix though.

Aye it was a grand day, does not the road belong to the hydro who I doubt will even have a list.