Meallach Mhòr and Croidh-la, Glen Tromie

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Summary

Though a rather rounded and undistinguished hill in itself, Meallach Mhòr occupies a fine position and is a good viewpoint. The quickest approach is along Glen Tromie (easy MTB cycle), with wonderful regenerating native woodlands. The route described here makes a fuller day by returning along the heathery ridge that ends at Croidh-la - offering really superb views over the Strath.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Long hard track through glen; ascent to hill is pathless, thick heather-bashing. The return along the ridge is a little rough and wet in one or two places, but becomes a good path by Croidh-la.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

RSPB Insh Marshes car park. 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: 25km / 15.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 7 - 8 hours
Ascent: 734m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN792996

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Meallach Mhor

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (8)

Stage 1

Parking at the foot of Glen Tromie is not permitted. The best option is to use the RSPB Insh Marshes car park. From here, take the Speyside Way path signed for Kincraig, running parallel to the road. When this meets a track, go left and then almost immediately right. Keep following the Speyside Way signs, eventually bearing right to reach the road again and turning left along it. After crossing Tromie Bridge, turn right on the track that heads up the glen. After 250m the Speyside Way goes off left, but our route cotninues up main track on the east side of the Tromie, passing through areas of fine native birchwoods. Glentromie Lodge is seen across the river, and after 6km the route passes the more modern Lynaberack Lodge. The track has views over to the private (locked) bothy at Lynaberack.

Stage 2

The native woodlands of Glen Tromie are regenerating spectacularly since the glen was bought by Anders Povlsen's Wildland. After 10km the track passes the deserted Bhran cottage. A track marked on maps goes off left soon after - this doesn't exist at the lower end and the line leads through very waterlogged ground, so it is best to continue on the track until after it crosses the Allt an Tulaich. After around 200m or so further leave the track and head up over pathless ground with many young birches and rowans. Cross a boggy area to the S of a lochan which is only marked on some editions of the OS map. Beyond this the climb heads up a steep and pathless - tough heather-bashing! - but magnificent views open up behind. The great rounded hill behind you is Meall Chuaich.

Stage 3

Much higher up as the gradient eases there are traces of a faint path. A grand vista opens up to the right of Loch an t-Seilich, gateway to the Gaick Pass.

Stage 4

Continue more easily across a plateau area to reach the summit, with a sudden panorama over the high Cairngorms ahead. The distant summit of Cairn Toul is easy to identify, with the great bulk of Braeriach to its left, rising behind the Glenfeshie ranges. You could simply retrace your ascent. However, in good weather conditions it's well worth returning along the ridge. Follow a worn path N and then NW to the bealach below Meall Bheag.

Stage 5

From the bealach pick up what remains of an old track (now largely lost) over soggy ground to the NE. Climb gently up Clach-mheall - the going becomes drier as you gain height and continue across the top.

Stage 6

There follows a descent to another bealach before climbing up to the summit of Croidh-la, eventually picking up a clear path. A cairn marks the summit, a superb viewpoint for much of Badenoch and Upper Strathspey. There is a trig point just a short distance further on; pass this and continue down the ridge. A fence across the ridge is passed using an open gateway; remain on the path over the higher ground to the right of the trees. Continue to reach the Cadha Giorraid, where a faint track just over to the right leads off into Gleann Chomraig.

Stage 7

Our route instead follows the narrow path that bears slightly left from the col to descend across the slope. It soon descends through an area of lovely regenerating woodland, descending to easier ground lower down in Glen Tromie. From here it cuts back to the track used on the outward walk. Once back on the tarred surface, turn right to retrace your steps down Glen Tromie, and along the Speyside Way back to the Insh Marshes car park.

Route Profile

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