Often referred to as the Central Highlands, this area covers the mountains between Loch Treig, Loch Ericht and Loch Laggan. Access is commonly from the A86 or the Corrour Halt stop on the West Highland Railway. An impressive fourteen Munros are scattered across this area (four of which are over 1100m), and included in the mountains list are all of the peaks above 600m. Ben Alder is often thought of as one of the more remote mountains in Scotland and its vast high plateau sits in contrast to the ridge created by Beinn Bheoil. Peaks to the east of Loch Ericht are listed in the East Highlands region.
Chno Dearg. What initially looked to be a dull overcast day turned into a spectacular day once above a 200m thick inversion with exceptional visibility of the mountain peaks of the Highlands. A short slog through farmland and up to Creag Dbubh and into constant snow at 600m. We then continued Southeast to Meall Chaorach, noting small areas (1m²) of deep (40cm) wind deposits which had formed thick wind crusts and would propagate under foot. Rime ice had formed on multiple sides of vegetation, indicating the changing wind direction and in some cases multiple formation layers could be made out (see photo). On summiting Meall Chaorach we entered the inversion and whiteout navigation skills required, with visibility reduced to 20m as we journey Soutwestward into the saddle and began our ascent on Chno Dearg. Popping through the inversion at 850m we were treated to breathtaking views of peaks over 900m as far as Schehallien. A rewarding decent to visit the cairn on Meall Garbh in warm afternoon sunshine and zero wind felt outer-worldly in the calm and silence, especially with the full moon in view. Arriving at Stob Coire Sgriodain for sunset we were treated to spectacular colours and gradients with the inversion covering our 360° view. A careful decent in diminishing light, avoiding the various crags on the North slopes of Stob Coire Sgriodain, reentering the inversion at 780m and emerging at 660m. A stunning day.
