Sgiath Chuil / Meall-glas

About trip

STAGE 1 The walk begins from the A85 at the start of the driveway to Auchessan. There is parking for a couple of cars to park hard on the left near the start of the track taking care to leave plenty of space for farm vehicles to manoeuvre, or alternatively on the grass verge of the A85 itself. Begin by following the tarmac lane towards Auchessan, crossing a bridge over the River Dochart. Both Munros are visible from here, their summits just rising above the moor. Follow the track as it leads past a couple of houses and reaches the old farmhouse. In front of this is a footpath signpost with two arms, both marked 'Hill path' - the one on the left is used on the return, so for now go straight ahead, passing through a gate and to the right of a large barn. After another couple of gates the track reaches the Allt Riobain. Do not cross this burn but instead leave the track and take the faint path which runs between the burn and a fence. STAGE 2 The burn soon swings left and the path climbs alongside it. The going can be muddy in places but the stream has many small waterfalls, attractively fringed by trees, and provides interest during the ascent. On the left the large fenced area has been planted with native trees and should eventually become a fine woodland, whilst there are good views back over Glen Dochart to mighty Ben More. Further on the path goes through a deer fence, and finally at the top corner of a plantation it begins to peter out. STAGE 3 Continue above the Allt Robain, soon reaching a sleeper bridge over a tributary. Around 300m further upstream is a dam. Cross the Allt Robain - the easiest place is a little below the dam - and head up the far side to reach a track which services the dam. From here head directly for Sgiath Chuil to the northeast, crossing wet moorland at first and a steeper section on drier grass higher up. Once above the steepening a prominent crag is seen ahead - the summit is atop this. STAGE 4 The crag itself can be passed equally easily to either side to reach the cairn, which provides some stunning views. Mighty Ben Lawers is prominent, as are Ben Vorlich and Stuc a'Chroin further right. From here a broad ridge leads northwards; follow this towards a slight bealach. STAGE 5 Reaching Meall Glas from here involves a very steep descent to the west down to the Lairig a'Churain. Angle slightly to the west and descend gentle stony slopes at first. Where the slope steepens, look for a patch of boulders and descend steeply to the west through these to reach the bealach, over 300m lower than Sgiath Chuil. On the far side aim northwest - up gentler slopes initially - to reach the ridge of Beinn Cheathaich around 300m north of the summit. STAGE 6 Cross Beinn Cheathaich and a path now leads towards the Munro summit of Meall Glas a little over a kilometre away. Ben Challum looks very impressive from here, dominating the view west. Begin the return walk to Auchessan by heading a little southeast to pass some broken crags. The route then heads southwards, picking up a boggy path for a lengthy moorland traverse, eventually picking up a burn and following it as it descends east of Creag nan Uan. STAGE 7 Go straight across a faint, very wet track and keep to the path on the left side of the burn for a time. Eventually the edge of the fenced woodland regeneration area is reached; follow this downhill to the right until reaching a stile in a dip. Cross the stile and continue on the now drier, grassy path which continues down through pleasant scattered woodland near the stream. Pass to the right of the sheepfolds to join a track, and follow this down to the back of the farmhouse at Auchessan. The track passes round the left side of this to regain the outward route; now turn right to head back to the start.