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Meall Chuaich - A perfect winters day

Meall Chuaich - A perfect winters day


Postby thorburn7 » Mon Jan 22, 2018 2:27 pm

Route description: Meall Chuaich, Drumochter

Munros included on this walk: Meall Chuaich

Date walked: 20/01/2018

Time taken: 7.5 hours

Distance: 14.5 km

Ascent: 644m

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3rd 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!
Image1 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.
Image4 by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

The walk takes you alongside an aqueduct with the munro in shot the whole way.
Image5 by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Up to this point the going was pretty easy due to the well maintained track which had been ploughed.
Image6 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.
Image8 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.
Image10 by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

We got to the summit just as the mist cleared and were treated to a stunning 360 view.
Image13 by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Summit selfie at the top marking my 126th Munro!
Image26991628_10155661137043122_2237332104654932588_n by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Great view on the way back down, much easier than the way up.
Image14 by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Took a slight detour to Loch Cuaich to see the frozen surface.
Image15 by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Back to the car just as the sun was setting on another fab day on the hills.
Image16 by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

On the way home we stopped in at McKays (Pitlochry) for dinner to top it off.
thorburn7
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Posts: 19
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Location: Greenock

Re: Meall Chuaich - A perfect winters day

Postby spiderwebb » Fri Jan 26, 2018 7:46 pm

Great day you had there, lovely pics. Last outing there I was convinced to climb the Corbett too, only to be told once we reached the top it was a Graham :lol: :lol: :lol:
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spiderwebb
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