Creise and Meall a'Bhuiridh

[JimboJim]

Couldn't manage to drag Big Jesper out of bed for this one, and weather was looking a bit iffy, but was time to get away. You'll know what I mean. Choice was Creise and Meall a'Bhuiridh as forecast was hopeful of an improving day and it's not so far from home, so was parked and getting ready to hit the hill by 8.30a.m.

Up.

Down.

Was quite bright and sunny at the ski centre car park, but some light cloud cloud lurking rather ominously at top of first hill. Was quite a steep hike under the ski lift. Sure enough, was lot of thicker stuff shrouding the lower slopes of Meall a'Bhuiridh and felt my walk might go no further, as still lacking in compass confidence, however I thought I could slowly head off west, to what I assumed might be the north ridge. At this point nothing could be seen of the ski tow pylons heading up to the summit, but as I made my way along, the cloud did show some signs of lifting and reassured me I was on the ridge.

Stob a' Ghlais Choire and Buachille Etive More

Stob a' Ghlais Choire. Turn back, skiers!

From here I could follow a bearing south and likewise take it easy as the cloud gradually lifted to give a glimpse of Stob a' Ghlais Choire and Creise off the the west. Eventually made the summit in an hour and three quarters, though visibility was still poor, limiting views of Coire an Easain and the Clach Leathad ridge to a feint blur. Ah well, might as well explore the top and ski paraphernalia and see if the clag clears, before deciding whether to head for Criese?

Coire an Easain and Clach Leachd somewhere behind.

After 20 minutes, or so the craggy stuff on the far side of the ridge came in to view, so it was time to move on over. Although a bit rocky there was nothing too daunting and great views to be had of cornicing heading towards Creise and Clach Leathad. Having made the 1071m cairn, it was a short and pleasant walk along the ridge, through some snow, to the summit in 3 hrs. Feeling quite pleased with that, I took a few photo's and decided to take in the other top, Clach Leathad, which also looked quite alpine with lots of cornices along the way.

Meall a'Bhuiridh from Creise.

Clach Leathad cornicing.

Buachille Etive Mor

From here, it was a case of retracing the steps, by which time I met a few others heading over the ridge, or up Meall a'Bhuiridh which by now was nice and clear, enjoying the sun, before getting back to the car and a welcome pint in the ski centre, after five and a quarter hours. Glad I persevered and saw off the fog.