BUY ME A COFFEE
Hill: Meall Blair
Date: Friday 4th November 2016
Company: Just myself
Distance: 9.1km, Ascent: 635m
Time: 3Hrs 25Mins


I set off this morning towards Gairlochy, and then along the rollercoaster of a road that runs alongside Loch Arkaig, for an ascent of the Fiona, Meall Blair. En-route to the hill, I had to stop several times to take photos as it was a stunning morning. The weather was much better than had been forecast.

Early morning views towards the Aonachs and Nevis:


Loch Arkaig:


Loch Arkaig reflections:


On reaching the Allt Arcabhi, I parked just off the road opposite a new hydro scheme building. Once suited and booted, I commenced my ascent of the new hydro scheme track leading towards Loch Blair.

Click here to see a map of the route undertaken

Hydro scheme building and track:


I stopped several times during the ascent up the track to take photos of Loch Arkaig. Loch Arkaig is definitely one of my favourite Scottish lochs.

Looking back to Loch Arkaig:


The new track is currently somewhat unsightly. However, the recently moved earth to the side of the track has been levelled off so should therefore eventually regain a covering of grass and heather. The quality track does make for fast progress up the hill as it stops just short of Loch Blair i.e. at a height of just over 300m.

Ascending the hydro scheme track:


I enjoyed the views across to Gulvain, Streap and the Glenfinnan Munros. These hills are all steep when approached from Loch Arkaig side. I need to revisit this area sometime in the not too distant future to re-do the Glenfinnan Munros and also to ascend the remote Meith Bheinn and An Stac.

Great views towards Gulvain, Streap and the Glenfinnan Munros:


On reaching the small hydro scheme dam I had to cross some rough, very-wet ground to reach the vehicle track running up the hill. The best way to get onto this track would have been to leave the hydro track a hundred metres or so before reaching the small hydro scheme dam.

New hydro scheme:


Meall Blair from the hydro scheme:


I was in no hurry today, so I plodded slowly up the wet track ascending Meall Blair.

Following the vehicle tracks up Meall Blair:


Looking back to Loch Blair:


Following the vehicle track and marker posts:


Looking back to Loch Arkaig:


The vehicle track came to an abrupt end at a height of circa 550m. Thereafter the going to the summit was trackless.

Ascending Meall Blair:


Looking towards the summit trig point from a false summit:


On seeing a new group of hills come into view, the pointy one was easily recognisable, Sgurr na Ciche.

Pointy Sgurr na Ciche (zoom):


View from the summit of Meall Blair:


I didn't hang around for long at the summit as it was very cold up top. Winter is definitely on its way.

I returned to the car via roughly the same route. During the descent I spotted a Buzzard flying overhead and could see worsening weather coming in from the East.

Loch Arkaig (East):


Loch Arkaig (West):


Circa 20 minutes after getting back to the car it started to rain. Good timing .

Today I decided I am going to make more of a focused effort to complete the Fionas. Only eighteen now remaining.