Glencoe

Meall á Bhuiridh
Creise

Winter is not a season, its a celebration.

The month of October has pretty much been a washout…literally. Although ‘they’re’ saying its been one of our warmest October’s in a long time, its also been one of the wettest, in my opinion. Everyday at some point it has rained!

November came and went and most weekends saw more rain, particularly Saturdays when we wanted to get away!

December temperatures suddenly dropped and we had a few clear, fresh and cold days ahead, with snow on the tops of some mountains.

So this weekend we were hoping for some snow and some mountains.

We headed up to Glencoe purely because it was pretty much the only area in the country with munro’s without rain!!! No complaints though from me as you can’t tire of this area no matter where or what you do, its stunning.

We parked up for the night at the White Corrie’s ski centre as this was where our route would ascend/descend which made things really easy for us. Both munros could be seen from our drive in.

We started our hike next day from the carpark on a path which straight away climbed upwards underneath the chairlifts. There is also a mountain bike track up this route.

Once we were finally up at the upper chairlift station we headed right to join another path taking us over some boggy land before reaching a bealach. From here we got the most amazing view of the Buachaille Etive Mòr looking typically impressive.

I love this mountain for various reasons. It was actually this very mountain that was the first munro I ever undertook, the one that got me hooked, and the rest is history, so she always sits fondly in my memories.

We then headed up a broad ridge towards Meall a’ Bhùiridh continually taking photos of the Buachaille of course!

This climb started off on a grassy easy gradient but soon became progressively steeper as we began to gain height. We eventually hit the uppermost sections which was covered in stones and boulders. A dusting of snow lay on the tops of the mountain, it was very picturesque.

From the summit we got the most amazing views of the Creise ridge rising above the Glas Choire, it looked pretty stunning.

Views all around were actually pretty stunning.

After taking in the views we headed down a rocky slippy ridge to a bealach, which then rose again, becoming steep and once again rocky.

I quite enjoy clambering up rocks as it focuses my mind and in a sense takes my mind of the fact I’m hiking upwards as I’m concentrating on my steps.

This really was a fine ridge walk taking us right up the spine of Creise, it was nothing too serious only enjoyable.

We were so lucky to have clear views as the view over the Glen Etive peaks was impressive. Meall a’Bhùiridth also looked so impressive from this point with her scree-covered slopes and then we had clear views right over Rannoch Moor.