Meallach Mhòr and Croidh-la, Glen Tromie

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Though a rather rounded and undistinguished hill, Meallach Mhòr occupies a fine position and is a grand viewpoint. The quickest approach is along Glen Tromie; the route described here makes a fuller day by returning along the heathery ridge over Croidh-la to maximise the views.

Terrain

Long tarmac track through glen; hill section is rough, often pathless heathery slopes.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Parking in woods just short of Drumguish. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Parking at the foot of Glen Tromie is not permitted, and the best option is to turn up the Drumguish road around 300m east along the B970. This briefly makes a steep climb before levelling off, and there is parking on the verges amongst the pinewoods before the houses of Drumguish are reached. Begin the walk by continuing up the road into Drumguish, turning right at a cross-roads of tracks and passing the last houses. The track soon joins with the track up Glen Tromie itself; bear left here to begin the long walk up the glen. The route soon becomes tarred underfoot and if not returning along the ridge, this part of the walk could well be cycled. Remain on the main tarred route on the south 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 road then leads past an old locked bothy before heading through a more open section of glen.

Stage 2

Further on the road leads through some newer, plantation forestry. After 10km out from Drumguish it passes the deserted Bhran cottage and then leaves the trees behind, with Mullach Mhòr now visible to the left. You can either ascent Continue on the track until after it crosses the Allt an Tulaich, and after around 200m further leave it and head across the sometimes boggy heathery ground to begin the ascent, passing to the right of a lochan which is marked only on some editions of the OS map. After a flattish section the climb becomes steeper, up mostly heathery but interspersed with some rocks. Higher up as the gradient eases a faint path continues the ascent, and magnificent views open up behind. The great rounded hill behind you is Meall Chuaich.

Stage 3

Eventually a grand vista opens up to the right of Loch an t-Seilich, gateway to the Gaick Pass. Continue more easily across a plateau area to reach the summit (the cairn shown here has been destroyed), 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.

Stage 4

The quickest return route is to retrace your ascent. However, in good weather conditions a fine longer alternative is to return along the rough heathery ridge that runs parallel to the glen. Descend northwards down deep heathery, crossing the bealach east of Meall Bheag and climbing gently up Clach-mheall - with the aid of a path in places.

Stage 5

There follows a descent to a lower bealach before climbing up to the summit of Croidh-la, being joined by a fence near the top. 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, and slightly lower; pass this and continue down the ridge. A fence across the ridge is passed using a gate; remain on the higher ground when the fence on the left by the trees begins to descend. Continue to reach the Cadha Giorraid, where a faint track to the right leads off into Gleann Chomraig.

Stage 6

Our route instead picks up a narrow path that bears slightly left from the col to descend across the slope. It crosses a high and awkward stile over a deer fence that crosses the ridge and eventually swings left as easier ground is reached lower down in Glen Tromie. From here it cuts back towards the tarmac road used on the outward walk. Once back on the tarred surface, turn right to retrace your steps down Glen Tromie, keeping right at the public footpath-signed fork near the end to return to Drumguish.

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Meallach Mhòr and Croidh-la, Glen Tromie

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Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Hillwalking in Winter

Users' reports

Walk Statistics

Summits Climbed

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