Sgiath Chuil and Meal Glas from Glen Lochay

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These two rather neglected Munros are divided by a very steep-sided and low bealach, making the ascent of both into a strenuous day. More usually climbed via a boggy approach from Glen Dochart to the south, this northerly route gives slightly drier going but involves a river crossing near the start.

Terrain

The River Lochay must be forded near the start of the route- this is impossible in spate. Track then grassy going for ascent of Meall Glas, though pathless. Extremely steep and time consuming descent and reascent between the two Munros. Descent route is boggy and time-consuming.

Public Transport

None.

Start

Car park 1km short of road end in Glen Lochay. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Deer Stalking information

Glenlochay Estate. Stalking between early July and 20 Oct. No stalking on Sundays. A sign with stalking information is displayed in the car park and at the entrance to the estate in Glen Lochay. If further information is needed please phone 01887 840412 or 07766 816033, or e-mail: manager@pitcastle.com (8am to 6pm MonSat; if unanswered please leave a message).

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 20.5km / 12.75 miles
Time: 7 - 9 hours
Ascent: 1250m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN476368

Summits Climbed

Munro: Sgiath Chuil
Munro: Meall Glas

Maps, App and GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a car park in Glen Lochay some distance short of Kenknock - it is no longer possible to park at the end of the public road. Head on foot to this point where there is a cross-roads of routes. Go straight ahead here, crossing a bridge over the Innisrainneach Burn and continuing up the glen. Eventually a junction is reached - turn left here, following the track that fords the River Lochay to the cottage at Lubchurran. This can be done dryshod in very dry conditions, but more usually requires a wade. It is impassable in spate. The bridge shown on some OS maps no longer exists.

Stage 2

On the far side follow the track which swings to the right of the picturesque cottage and then begins climbing. Higher up it passes through a gate into a fenced area planted with native trees, and then leaves the area via another gate. The track continues uphill, eventually swinging NW to climb across the flank of the hill. The track ends in a boggy area at around 670m.

Stage 3

Aim up the broad, pathless and grassy ridge towards Beinn Cheathaich, whose summit is marked by a trig point. Descend southwest into a bealach.

Stage 4

From here a path can be picked up which cuts across the north side of the next rise, aiming towards Meall Glas. After crossing a slight bealach there is a short final ascent to reach the summit cairn. Ben Challum looks very impressive from here, dominating the view west. Retrace your steps back to the bealach SW of Beinn Cheathaich.

Stage 5

The descent from here - and the reascent to Sgiath Chuil - must rank amongst the steepest and most brutal between any pair of Munros usually climbed together. It's possible to descend from the bealach; the ground soon steepens but it's possible to find a route down through the broken crags with care before continuing down to the peat bog between the two hills. (A slightly easier but longer and still very steep descent is to head down from the ridge to the north of Beinn Cheathaich).

Stage 6

From the bealach, make a direct ascent towards the Sgiath Chuil ridge. It starts steeply, but becomes much steeper still on the final stretch, aiming for a bealach between Meall a' Churain and Sgaith Chuil. It's mostly grassy but requires care - most especially if wet.

Stage 7

Once on the ridge a path leads southwards towards the cairn which marks the summit of Sgiath Chuil. It's a fine viewpoint; mighty Ben Lawers is prominent, as are Ben Vorlich and Stuc a'Chroin further right. From here head north along the broad ridge, passing over Meall a' Churain.

Stage 8

Beyond Meall a' Churain descend the pathless but mostly grassy ridge northwards. Down to 600m or so the going is good, but after this it becomes boggier. Aim NNE, crossing to the east side of the Allt Innisdaimh and continue down the far side. The going on this stretch is quite tedious; an alternative would be to stick to the north ridge until 550m then then aim for a hydro dam on the Lubhchurran Burn, rejoining the outward route beyond.

Stage 9

The route described here does avoid having to re-ford the river. Continue down the east side of the Allt Innisdaimh, which eventually has a fine cascade into a deep gorge. Before the coniferous trees are reached there's a hydro dam and a path heading NE. Follow this path down to reach another hydro works and a track. Turn right along this track (there's a stile for the locked gate), which descends in a series of zig-zags down to Glen Lochay. After another stile, cross the bridge over the River Lochay to reach the crossroads from near the start of the walk. Turn right here down the road to return to the car park.

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