Meall Chuaich, Drumochter

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Summary

Meall Chuaich is a rather rounded Munro lacking any great character. Its position sitting slightly apart from the main Cairngorms ensures it is a superb viewpoint for upper Badenoch and Strathspey, as well as the Creag Meagaidh and Ben Alder ranges.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Tracks for the approach followed by an eroded path up the hill itself make this one of the simpler Munro summits.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Layby on A9 just south of Cuaich. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 14km / 8.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 614m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN654867

Summits Climbed

Munro: Meall Chuaich

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (85)

Stage 1

Park in the layby on the east side of the A9, marked no. 94 and a short distance south of Cuaich cottages. Head north along the verge to reach a gate marking the start of a clear track - this is often locked but there is a pedestrian gate alongside. Follow the track as it heads southeast and soon reaches a wider track alongside a concrete aqueduct. Turn left along this track, which continues alongside the aqueduct.

Stage 2

After a couple of kilometres the track crosses the aqueduct and the Cuaich hydro-electric power station is reached. This small station generates 2.5 MW of power; the aqueduct then carries the water to Loch Ericht to the southwest. Cross the bridge and continue on the track up the glen. A pipeline comes down from the hillsides to the right; ignore the track that heads off beside this and pass it on the left. Ignore further tracks off right and one off left and continue ahead, crossing another bridge further on over the Allt a'Choire Chais. Shortly before Loch Cuaich is reached, turn right on the track leading up the glen of the Allt Coire Chuaich. This track soon passes a private wooden bothy, which is kept locked, and then crosses another bridge.

Stage 3

Once over this, where the track bends right, a path - usually marked by a small cairn - goes off left through the heather. Take this path which ascends the wide shoulder of Stac Meall Chuaich; ignore a track which contours over to the right. Higher up the path becomes drier, but also wider and stonier, with great views back towards Ben Alder.

Stage 4

An ATV track heads over the summit of Stac Meall Chuaich, or you can cut the corner by forking right before it is reached. After crossing shoulder, head up a short stretch of stonier ground before continuing on a beeline for the top of Meall Chuaich.

Stage 5

This 951m Munro summit is marked by a large cairn; it makes up for the comparative lack of interest during the ascent by being an excellent viewpoint. South and east are the vast featureless plateaux of the Drumochtor and Gaick tops, whilst northeast the Cairngorms summits can be picked out. The pick of the view, however, is north over Badenoch and Strathspey - Meall Chuaich's cornerstone-like position giving a fine outlook.

Stage 6

The easiest and usual return route is retrace the outward route. If looking for a variation, you could follow the fence posts south down the moorland before eventually joining the track above the Allt Coire Chuaich.

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