Creag Mac Ranaich and Meall an t-Seallaidh

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Summary

This pair of Corbetts are hidden and out of sight from most of the major routes through the glens. Creag Mac Ranaich is a hill of character with craggy buttresses on its upper slopes, whilst the higher Meall an t-Seallaidh takes the form of a long ridge. Together they make an enjoyable round from Lochearnhead.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.75/5

Rating

Terrain

Good track as far as the bealach between then peaks, then rougher, pathless and steep going.

Public Transport

Limited bus service to Lochearnhead.

Start

Lochearnhead carpark just off A85. 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: 20.5km / 12.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 7 - 8 hours
Ascent: 984m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN593237

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Creag Mac Ranaich
Corbett: Meall an t-Seallaidh

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (26)

Stage 1

Park in the large car park on the A85 near the west end of Loch Earn in Lochearnhead. Begin by heading west alongside the main road, crossing a bridge to reach the A84. Turn left at the t-junction here to continue on the pavement through the village. After 500m turn right up a minor road past the picturesque Episcopalian Church. Continue up the lane until it reaches a bridge; don't cross this but instead fork left down onto the old railway line below - now a cycle path. Turn right to pass under the bridge and then follow the cycle path as it cuts steeply uphill on the left, climbing in a series of zig-zags. Part way up there is a bench with a fine outlook over Loch Earn.

Stage 2

The zig-zag cycle track climbs up to reach another old railway line - this was the branch for Crianlarich and beyond, which diverged from the other line at Balquidder Station. Turn left along the line, passing through a gate. Further on, after a second gate, the line crosses a bridge, and then approachs a bridge over the line. Turn left just before the bridge over the line onto a track which leads up and over this bridge, then keep straight ahead at a junction to follow the track as it leads up into Glen Kendrum.

Stage 3

After a newly planted area the track passes through another gate and then continues up the open glen. Both the two target Corbetts are in view, with Creag Mac Ranaich looking the more impressive, defended by broken buttresses. After around 2.5km the track fords a burn and then begins a zig-zag ascent.

Stage 4

Follow the track as far as the highest point, and then leave it to begin a pathless and very steep but grassy ascent towards Creag Mac Ranaich. Eventually the gradient eases and the summit plateau - a confusing area of knobbly peaks in poor visibility - is reached.

Stage 5

Head over the southern 808m summit and continue to the true summit a short distance further north. The view is dominated by Ben More and of the Ben Lawers range, with Killin well seen at the head of Loch Tay. Retrace your steps back down to the bealach.

Stage 6

Go straight across the track, crossing some boggy moorland before the ground steepens once more on a grassy climb to the bealach just west of Cam Chreag. This minor peak can be climbed over, or bypassed on the far southern side.

Stage 7

Continue along the ridge to reach the trig point and cairn marking the summit of Meall an t-Seallaidh - the highest point of the day. The view down Loch Earn is particularly striking, with Ben Vorlich and Stùc a' Chron prominent to the right. Continue along the ridge very briefly to avoid crags before descending northeast across rough ground.

Stage 8

Cross the Allt Creag MacRanaich high up to reach the track above its zigzags. Once on the track, turn right to retrace your steps all the way back to Lochearnhead.

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