Meall Glas and Sgiath Chuil from Glen Dochart

Summary

Meall Glas and Sgiath Chuil attract little attention from Glen Dochart, being set well back from the road across moorland. This circular walk visits both; although there is a fair amount of boggy ground the two hills are good viewpoints.

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Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Extremely steep slopes between the two Munros; pathless terrain lower down and boggy paths.

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.

Getting there

Start

Junction of Auchessan track with A85.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NN448275

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 15.5km / 9.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 7 - 9 hours
Ascent: 1182m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Sgiath Chuil
Munro: Meall Glas

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Walk Description

User reports (49)

Stage 1

The walk begins from the A85 at the start of the driveway to Auchessan. There is parking for a couple of cars to park hard on the left near the start of the track taking care to leave plenty of space for farm vehicles to manoeuvre, or alternatively on the grass verge of the A85 itself. Begin by following the tarmac lane towards Auchessan, crossing a bridge over the River Dochart. Both Munros are visible from here, their summits just rising above the moor. Follow the track as it leads past a couple of houses and reaches the old farmhouse. In front of this go straight ahead (the path on the left is used for the return), passing through a gate and to the right of a large barn. After another couple of gates the track reaches the Allt Riobain. Do not cross this burn but instead leave the track and take the faint path which runs between the burn and a fence.

Stage 2

The burn soon swings left and the path climbs alongside it. The going can be muddy in places but the stream has many small waterfalls, attractively fringed by trees, and provides interest during the ascent. On the left the large fenced area has been planted with native trees and should eventually become a fine woodland, whilst there are good views back over Glen Dochart to mighty Ben More. Further on the path goes through a deer fence, and finally at the top corner of a plantation it begins to peter out.

Stage 3

Continue above the Allt Robain, soon reaching a sleeper bridge over a tributary. Around 300m further upstream is a dam. Cross the Allt Robain - the easiest place is a little below the dam - and head up the far side to reach a track which services the dam. From here head directly for Sgiath Chuil to the northeast, crossing wet moorland at first and a steeper section on drier grass higher up. Once above the steepening ground, a prominent crag is seen ahead - the summit is atop this.

Stage 4

The crag itself can be passed equally easily to either side to reach the cairn, which provides some stunning views. Mighty Ben Lawers is prominent, as are Ben Vorlich and Stuc a'Chroin further right. From here a broad ridge leads northwards; follow this towards a slight bealach.

Stage 5

Reaching Meall Glas from here involves an extremely very steep descent to the west down to the Lairig a'Churain. Head north along the ridge at first, then use a path that aims across the west side of Meall a' Churain. Then descend the very steep slopes to the west. The going is mostly grassy - could be very slippery when wet - with some patches of stones. After the initial steepest section continue down to the boggy bealach, over 300m lower than Sgiath Chuil.

Stage 6

On the far side continue up initially boggy, more gradual slopes before an equally steep climb towards Beinn Cheathaich; you can either aim for the low point the ridge south of Beinn Cheathaich, passing through a band of broken crags at one point, or bypass the crags by aiming north of the summit. From the bealach south of Beinn Cheathaich a path leads towards the Munro summit of Meall Glas a little over a kilometre away.

Stage 7

The summit is marked by a small cairn. Ben Challum looks very impressive from here, dominating the view west. Begin the return walk to Auchessan by heading a little southeast to pass some broken crags.

Stage 8

The route then heads southwards, picking up a boggy path for a lengthy moorland traverse, eventually picking up a burn and following it as it descends east of Creag nan Uan. Go straight across a faint, very wet track and keep to the path on the left side of the burn for a time. Eventually the edge of the fenced woodland regeneration area is reached; follow this downhill to the right until reaching a stile in a dip. Cross the stile and continue on the now drier, grassy path which continues down through pleasant scattered woodland near the stream. Pass to the right of the sheepfolds to join a track, and follow this down to the back of the farmhouse at Auchessan. The track passes round the left side of this to regain the outward route; now turn right to head back to the start.

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