Hill: Meallan Liath Coire Mhic Dhughaill
Date: Monday 24th May 2010
Company: Myself and Beinn
Dog friendly: Yes
Time: 6Hrs 05Mins

The ascent of Meallan Liath Coire Mhic Dhughaill today was mainly in mist, rain and cloud. However, on reaching the summit ridge, the cloud lifted to above 900m providing some great views. The photos in the report below were taken mainly on return from the summit. I parked at the start of the track leading to Aultanrynie (near Kinloch). Parking there is quite limited. I ascended Meallan Liath Coire Mhic Dhughaill via the 'trade' route (as per SMC Corbetts guide).

Meallan Liath Coire Mhic Dhughaill from start near Kinloch:


The walk to Aultanrynie is along an unsurfaced road. A small overgrown graveyard is passed before skirting round the end of Loch More.

Cloud-capped Ben Stack at end of Loch More:


Ascent to 513m top of Meallan Liath Coire Mhic Dhughaill:


Just before arriving at the main house at Aultanrynie, take a right onto a good ATV track. This track zig-zags up the hill to just below the 513m top.

Deer at Aultanrynie:


Meallan Liath Coire Mhic Dhughaill:


The track provides great views down Loch More towards Ben Stack.

Loch More:


Looking back to Kinloch:


On reaching the end of the ATV track, which is marked by a cairn, follow the wide undulating ridge of Meallan Liath Beag for just over two kilometres. During the ascent today, I needed the map and compass to find my way through the mist.

Looking along Meallan Liath Beag ridge:


Ben Hee:


On Meallan Liath Beag ridge:


Many nearby hills are visible from the Meallan Liath Beag ridge including Ben Stack, Ben Hee, Beinn Leoid, Quinag and Arkle. However, the best views are attained from the summit ridge.

Quinag:


The final 200m pull up onto the summit ridge is initially on grass and then via lots of quartzite paving. This paving continues much of the way to the summit.

Quartzite paving:


Quinag and distinctive rock:


On reaching the summit ridge, between Carn Dearg and the 741m top, Ben Hope and Ben Loyal come into view.

Ben Hope and Ben Loyal:


The ridge to the summit is wide and straight-forward, providing you don't mind walking on quartzite.

Meallan Liath Coire Mhic Dhughaill and 741m top (and crag):


Ben Hope and Ben Loyal across Coire Loch:


Ben Loyal:


Looking back to Meallan Liath Beag ridge:


The final 80m of ascent to the summit provide great views of Arkle and Foinaven.

Arkle and Foinaven:


The summit of Meallan Liath Coire Mhic Dhughaill must be one of the best viewpoints in Scotland. 
Was really happy that the cloud lifted at the summit.

Arkle:


Foinaven:


Ben Stack:


Ben Stack and Arkle:


Foinaven ridge:


Cranstackie and Beinn Spionnaidh:


Myself and Beinn at summit:


From the summit, I returned to the car via the same route to see what I missed during the misty ascent and to take the photographs above. Great hill (as are all the others in this area)