Creise and Meall a'Bhuiridh September 2010

 

 

Helen Rose Hill Diary

Creise and Meall a’Bhuiridh are two Munros located south of Glencoe at the north end of Rannoch Moor. They can be accessed from the Glen Etive road but this route involves some scrambling. When I climbed these hills on my first round of Munros, we parked on the Glen Etive road and headed for Creise by the scramble route. We had to cross the River Coupal and unfortunately I slipped on a stepping stone and fell in. The river was not very deep as there had been a dry period but my feet were wet all day. The weather was warm so it was not too bad.

This time I climbed the hills from the White Corries ski lift car park. The ski lift and the ancillary equipment is an eyesore in summertime. Most of the ascent to Meall a’Bhuiridh  is by a path running alongside the ski tow which runs almost to the top so it is not a beautiful ascent. It had been a wet period and I loved Alec’s description of the mountain as being squelchy!  At the top of Meall a’Bhuiridh,  there are good views to the Blackmount and over Rannoch Moor. The connecting ridge over to Creise becomes increasingly rocky but has a good path.

The ascent to the top of Creise has some very minor scrambly bits on it but all were very easily done. At the top of Creise, we settled down at the cairn for lunch but the Heavens suddenly opened and we were drenched. My sandwiches got very wet indeed. We hardly had time to put on our waterproofs. Fortunately, it was fairly mild weather despite the wet. We only had had a glimpse over to Buchaille Etive Mor before the weather closed in.

We returned by the same route as descending Creise on the north side would have meant scrambling down on wet rock and a long walk back to the cars. On the ridge, we saw some ptarmigan chicks running behind their mother for cover under rocks. In the dreich weather, the descent alongside the ski lift seemed even uglier. However, the ski tow is a necessary evil for skiers in winter and it is also possible for non walkers or skiers to experience being on top of a mountain in winter snow.

The day was very enjoyable and thanks to Alec at the Inverclyde Ramblers www.inverclyderamblers.org.uk  for arranging it. They are a nice bunch of people and good company.

Coming attractions: Low level Skye, Aviemore, Portpatrick and Cape Wrath.

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