Beinn nan Oighreag and Meall Ghaordie

Munros

Meall Ghaordie

Corbetts

Beinn nan Oighreag

Grahams

None

Bothies

None

Distance/Ascent

14km     1200m

Estimated Time

6h 45mins

Notes

It was a squally day last time I was on Meall Ghaordie. Maybe I'll save it for a reasonably nice day this time?  Probably climb Beinn nan Oighreag first.



Parking is some distance beyond the access gate (at the next bend in the road).

Start
Having spent the previous night on Meall nan Subh, I had already got my old legs working, when I set up from Glen Lochy. The weather was fine at the start, only to slowly deteriorate as I ascended the south ridge of Beinn nan Oighreag, only for the rain to stop and the clouds open up on reaching the summit ridge. Perfect timing!

Below: looking across to Cam Chreag - the ridge I would follow to the top of Meall Ghaordie.
Below:  About 500 metres before the summit - looking towards the Tarmachan Ridge - the hills quickly clearing!
Below: Looking west towards Meall Ghaordie and Stuchd an Lochain - Meall Buidhe far right.
The photos do not show it but there was a rather fresh breeze, so I headed east from the summit to find a sheltered spot for a spot of lunch and to link my camera and phone for a summit selfie.
I decided to head further north to this small cairn at 899 metres - Ben Lawers group left and Tarmachan Ridge right.
Below: Meall Buidhe - I think it is Ben Alder in the cloud with Beinn Bheoil to its right.
I followed the fence posts down to the bealach, though deviating to easier ground at times, had a snack and headed up to Cam Chreag, here looking towards Creag an Tulabhain. Stuchd an Lochan left and Meall Buidhe and the Corbett Cam Chreag to the right.
Looking south to Ben Vorlich and Stuc a'Chroin, as well as the Corbett Beinn Each.
Looking back to Beinn nan Oighreag.
Unfortunately, more low clouds arrived and I did not have the benefit of enjoying the full 360 degree views from the top. Still, it was not so windy and it was comfortable to linger for a while. 
Picking up a path from the summit, I was reminded of how much easier the Munros can be compared to the Corbetts. Heading down through vegetation, possibly with hidden holes, increases the risk of injury and requires much greater care than heading down a clear path, such as this one which is the main route up and down Meal Ghaordie.