Meall Corranaich and Meall a'Choire Lèith

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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.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

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

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Small parking layby just north of summit of Lairig an Lochain. 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: 9.5km / 6 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 740m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN593415

Summits Climbed

Munro: Meall Corranaich
Munro: Meall a' Choire Lèith

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (62)

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, heading northeast onto the moors - and giving good views back over the reservoir. The path peters out in the bealach dividing Meall nan Eun from the rest of the range.

Stage 2

Navigation for the ascent of Meall Corranaich is aided by a line of old fence posts. These lead southeast over a small hillock (which can be avoided) before bearing SSE and then southeast once more up the very broad ridge. Rather than ascending right to the top of the ridge the fence posts finally cut away left across the slopes to take a more direct line towards Meall Corranaich. 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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