Creise and Meall a'Bhùiridh from the Ski centre

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These two Munros form the northeastern part the Black Mount range, rising above the head of Glen Etive opposite the better known Buachaille Etive Mòr . This route ascends via the White Corries ski slopes. Meall a'Bhùiridh appears rather undistinguished seen from Rannoch Moor but its elegant west ridge is revealed from Creise, itself the high point of a dramatic ridge running from Sròn na Creise in the north through Clach Leathad to Sròn nam Forsair.

Terrain

A straightforward Munro round in good conditions; there is some boggy ground. Rocky ground and boulderfields on the uppermost slopes of Meall a'Bhùiridh, and a steep rocky climb to the ridge of Creise.

Public Transport

Citylink bus from Glasgow/Fort William.

Start

Glencoe Mountain Ski Centre ski centre car park at White Corries. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

These two hills look fine from the Kinghouse Hotel, where the northern end of the Creise ridge descends dramatically in the crags of Sròn na Creise. This offers a classic route of ascent but requires both a river crossing and a difficult, exposed scramble. The route described here is more straightforward. Turn south from the A82 as it crosses Rannoch Moor onto the minor road to the Glencoe Mountain Ski Centre and follow it to the ski car park at White Corries. Begin the walk by heading to the right of the main building and the foot of the chair lift, then aim between the two higher ski centre buildings before turning right onto a signed path beneath the chairlift.

Stage 2

The path climbs uphill, soon meeting a mountain bike track. Go straight across this, continuing uphill and becoming steep and very eroded, crossing a minor burn at one point. The route is under the shadow of the chairlift that climbs this same slope - and which may tempt the lazier walkers to use the uplift on this initial climb.

Stage 3

When the slope finally eases take a signed path which passes well to the right of the upper chairlift station. This soon joins a wide path running from the chairlift (to your left) and the top of point 748m to your right - turn towards the latter. After crossing a metal bridge over a burn the easiest option is to turn left off the main path onto a narrow path with red marker posts (watch out for mountain bikers). This threads a winding route west through the bogs to gain a wide bealach at 724m. From here there's a sudden view to Buachaille Etive Mòr looking typically impressive.

Stage 4

Now head up the broad ridge towards Meall a' Bhùiridh. It is grassy and featureless at this lower end, but becomes progressively steeper as you gain height; the uppermost sections are over stones and boulders. There are good views of the Creise ridge rising above the Glas Choire.

Stage 5

Eventually the slope eases and the rocky summit of Meall a'Bhùiridh is reached. Before you lies the great gulf of Coire an Easain. The views are superb; far below is the little Loch an Easain, and directly opposite are the cliffs of the Clach Leathad ridge. The vast expanse of Rannoch Moor stretches to the east, with Schiehallion clearly seen in the distance. Southeast the line of the West Highland railway is visible below the steep slopes of Beinn Achaladair.

Stage 6

Now head west southwest down a rocky ridge to a bealach, then rises again, becoming steep and rocky, to gain the broad spine of the Creise - Clach Leathad ridge.

Stage 7

Turn north and continue along this almost level ridge to reach the summit of Creise. Looking west the view over the Glen Etive peaks is impressive, whilst looking back south Clach Leathad appears to be almost of equal height - originally this was regarded as the Munro summit until more accurate surveys revealed Creise was the highest point.

Stage 8

The scree-covered slopes of Meall a'Bhùiridh to the east add drama to the view here, with Rannoch Moor still visible behind. Return by the outward route - a cairn usually marks the point where the linking ridge descends eastwards; it is necessary to climb back over Meall a' Bhùiridh.

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