Meall Corranaich and Meall a'Choire Lèith

Summary

These two Munros form the westward end of the great Ben Lawers ridge. The start at almost 550 metres makes this a short round for baggers but the terrain is very rough - and peat bogs unavoidable.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Paths are faint (a line of fenceposts helps for the ascent of Meall Corranaich); much of the going is boggy.

Deer Stalking information

Land south of Meall Corranaich: National Trust for Scotland. No stalking issues.

Getting there

Start

Small parking layby just north of summit of Lairig an Lochain.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NN593415

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.5km / 6 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 750m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Meall Corranaich
Munro: Meall a' Choire Lèith

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Walk Description

User reports (68)

Stage 1

There is a small parking layby just north of the summit of the Lairig an Lochain road that links Loch Tay with Glen Lyon, marked by a large cairn. Note that this road is not kept open in the winter months. An initially very well-made path leaves the road a short distance east of the cairn; immediately leave this and take the waymarked path off right, that climbs southeast up the rough slopes.

Stage 2

Eventually the route leads east, then slightly northeast to meet a line of old fence posts; turn right (SE) to follow these. The fence posts lead up the very broad ridge. Rather than ascending to the ridge and point 915m the fence posts eventually cut away left across the slopes to take a more direct line towards Meall Corranaich - keep following. Finally the going improves as the steeper southwest ridge of Meall Corranaich is gained, leading up over a small knobble; there are stunning views looking back.

Stage 3

Continue a short distance further to reach the summit cairn. The view east is dominated by the huge bulk of Ben Lawers and the neighbouring peaks of An Stùc and Meall Garbh, but in other directions it is extensive; Ben More and Stob Binnein being prominent to the southwest.

Stage 4

Leave the summit by following the ridge to the north, soon passing over a second minor summit. The ridge leading on from here to the bealach and Meall a'Choire Lèith is easily missed - even in clear weather - as the natural line is to continue north and end up on the NNW ridge. The correct route is to head NNE from the northern summit, losing height to gain the lower, true north ridge.

Stage 5

Once this is gained follow it - with a path once more - as it curves round to the bealach, with the steep crags of Coire Lèith on the right. From the bealach continue north - with great views back - to reach the flat summit of Meall a'Choire Lèith, the least distinguished of the Lawers Munros.

Stage 6

The cairn of flattish stones marking the summit has a view which may be robbed of depth by the plateau, but is still very fine on a good day - with the peaks of Glencoe seen in the far distance over Loch an Dàimh.

Stage 7

The route back gives rougher going. Descend southwest down steep grass, soon picking up a path. Cross the burn flowing down Coire Gorm and traverse the slopes of the far side, gradually losing height to reach the Allt Gleann Da-Eig above a concrete intake. After crossing this larger burn continue southwest across the bogs to regain the path that descends back to the big cairn and the start.

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