Meall Buidhe & Sròn a' Choire Chnapanich, Pubil

Summary

This remote pair of Corbetts rise at the head of beautiful Glen Lyon. Meall Buidhe - not be confused with its namesake Munro nearby - is a rounded dome with a great outlook across Rannoch Moor. The lower Sròn a' Choire Chnapanich is a grassy perch atop steep slopes plunging to Loch an Daimh.

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Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Pathless hillwalking. Mostly rounded, grassy slopes with peat hags and boggy areas, some steeper ground.

Getting there

Start

Beyond Pubil, Glen Lyon.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NN459419

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 15.75km / 9.75 miles
Time: 6 - 6.5 hours
Ascent: 921m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Meall Buidhe
Corbett: Sròn a' Choire Chnapanich

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Walk Description

User reports (9)

Stage 1

The walk begins where a farm track leaves the road on the right side a short distance beyond Pubil. It's possible to park considerately on the grass verge just beyond. Begin the walk by taking the track towards two huge agricultural sheds, then turn left onto a track that climbs high above the dam.

Stage 2

The track descends gently before contouring the slope above the waters of Loch Lyon. Continue for around 1km until it passes through a gate. Shortly after this leave the track and climb directly northwards up the steep grassy hillside, between two of the burns.

Stage 3

At around 580m the gradient thankfully begins to ease. Aim northwest, climbing across the boggy slopes of Meall Phubuill. The terrain is rather featureless as well as wet, and navigation is tricky; the aim is to eventually curve northwards to arrive at the peat hagged bealach between Meall Phubuill and Meall Buidhe - which comes into view as the route bends north to approach the bealach.

Stage 4

After crossing the bealach, follow the line of old fenceposts which lead northwards up the steep grassy shoulder of Meall Buidhe. Once atop this the fenceposts and wide ridge turn west for the final approach to the Corbett. There are magnificent open views over Rannoch Moor. On the flat top of Meall Buidhe there are several cairns; the fenceposts lead to the lower, western cairn so before reaching this cut south to reach the northeastern cairn - prominent on the approach in clear conditions. The true summit is at a smaller third cairn a short distance SSW.

Stage 5

Retrace your steps back around the ridge and down the shoulder to the 709m bealach. From here the fenceposts lead up towards Meall Phubuill, but a quicker route is to instead follow the burn - the Feith Thalain - and descend alongside it to the NE. The sides of the glen soon steepen and the going can be a little awkward - it is easier to cross to the other side of the burn in places. Sròn a' Choire Chnapanich is in view on this section; when the flanks of the glen ease after 1km or so aim ENE away from the burn, climbing up onto the extremely peat-hagged bealach at its foot (best to keep on the west side of the bealach to avoid the worst of it).

Stage 6

As the ascent of the hill begins (accompanied by fence posts once more) the terrain improves, and the uppermost slopes of Sròn a' Choire Chnapanich have the finest short-cropped grass. On the top of the hill the fence posts abruptly change direction to the south, and the small summit cairn is just a few metres north of here. The hill presents a very steep front to Loch an Daimh and offers fine views of the loch and of neighbouring Stuchd an Lochain.

Stage 7

For the descent, follow the fenceposts southwards at first towards the Bealach a' Mhaim. Continue south down mostly grassy slopes and crossing a broken down fence to reach the Allt Phubuill.

Stage 8

When a small dam is reached bear left onto a rough track. Keep right when this forks and follow it down a series of zig-zags to reach the lodge to Pubil. Pass through the gate here and continue down the track to reach the minor road. The start point is a short distance to the right.

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