A compact group of hills rising boldly from the north shore of Loch Lochy, these two Munros present their spectacular side to the A82. They prove less formidable than they look, via the standard route from Laggan, an up-and-back-the-same-way option so well-travelled as to have descended into cliche. But while more imaginative approaches are possible the path most-trodden is clearly the easiest. More than this, though, it's a pleasant day out with some tremendous elevated perspectives on the Great Glen. We don't always have to be different.
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NN2774195820 At the time of writing (and presumably for several years to come) work here is ongoing in preparation for the massive Coire Glas pumped storage scheme. It's not the most scenic of starts. Cross the bridge over Kilfinnan Burn, and follow the track past the farm, a mobile phone tower, and some chalets, watching out for site vehicles as you go. At a junction by the construction office take the right fork, climbing steadily into Kilfinnan Wood. Stay with the forestry track - also the current redirected route of the Great Glen Way - for about 2km.
2
NN2513193626 A signpost marks the start of the hill path. Turning right, it's a steady climb through dense pines, before the woods open out into the narrow glen of the Cam Bhealach. The path - quite a good one in the main - leads all the way up to the steep-sided bealach at the head of the glen. This is the jumping off point for the out-and-back ascents of both hills, and in fair weather it may be tempting to stash packs here.
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NN2227993692 You can go either way, so let's say for the sake of argument it's Meall na Teanga first. Turn left, and climb the steep, eroded path southwards. Skirt below Meall Dubh - muddy in places - to the saddle beyond. From here the path climbs quite steeply onto Meall na Teanga. The high point is at the south end of the summit ridge, a fantastic viewpoint hanging over the Great Glen.
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NN2202592464 Return to the central bealach, then take the zigzagging stalker's path up the grassy southern flank of Sron a' Choire Ghairbh. It's a bit of a plod. This slightly higher Munro doesn't quite match the views of its neighbour, but there is an impressive outlook over Coire Glas, where hydro scheme construction traffic may be distantly visible. Between the dam-to-be and half a horizon of wind turbines, there's a bit of an energy theme on this hill.
© Dan Bailey - UKHillwalking.com
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NN2224394559 The keen might continue the day with a long leg over to Ben Tee, but for most it's back to the bealach for a third time, before retracing your steps down to the woods and the easy stride out to Laggan.
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Further Routes
by Dan Bailey UKH
- East Ridge of Beinn a' Chaorainn and Beinn Teallach 21 Jan
- A' Chralaig and Mullach Fraoch-choire 4 Dec, 2023
- Bynack More 19 Oct, 2023
- Beinn a' Mhuinidh 4 Oct, 2023
- Loch Ossian round - Seven Munros by Train 15 Sep, 2023
It's twenty years since I was on these two hills. We did the approach up Gleann Cia-aig with its lovely falls and woodland then traversed west over the tops west of Meall na Teanga IIRC. I remember being most impressed by the huge Coire Glas. I'm glad to have seen it before it gets changed forever.
Did them last time via Gleann Cia-aig and plan to repeat them from that side.
There's an ATV track from NN 180 897 that allows a traverse of Ruigh na Beinne, Meall Odhar and Meall Coire Lochain of Meall na Teanga and then on to Sron a' Choire Ghairbh. The double dog-leg approach from the north doesn't ring my bell.
When we reached the top of the glen I thought the smaller hills to the north looked quite good. If I'm ever back that way I might go take a look.
Yes, its very pleasant round there.
I once did them that way for a change and would recommend it. Last time I did them quite recently I took in Ben Tee which avoided the backtracking and has a pretty pleasant descent. Also recommended.