
Creag Meagaidh circuit variation. Avalanche NW-E localised moderate above 900m. In light of the avalanche forecast it was decided to ascend via the Southern slopes of Puist Coire Ardair. Visibility dramatically reduced as we ascended into the cloud at 900m after a brief spell of sunshine and blue skies. Winds also picked up as forecast although snow showers were lighter than expected. Careful navigation used from the summit of Puist Coire Ardair to generously avoid the corniced edges of Coire Ardair, particulaly with visibility >20m. The visibility and winds deterred us from visiting Creag Meagaidh, instead feeling the lay-of-the-land North and descending to The Window. Again, in light of the avalanche forecast we continued around the plateau with constant battering from the 60-70mph winds. The useful and thickly rime-iced fence posts guiding us as far as Uinneag Mìn Choire where careful descent choices had to be made with limited visibility. At one point a rope was considered to investigate what appeared to be a severe corniced drop, however in a brief moment of clarity a straight-forward way down to the saddle was achieved. Further trudging in the strong winds eventually found us exiting the cloud level into light rain, and a saturated snow, slippery rock and heather combination underfoot. We were however rewarded with dramatically moody views of the circuit and The Window allowing us to feel smug in our lengthy, but rewarding journey of the day.
Area :
Creag Meagaidh Loch Lochy To Loch Laggan)
This area includes the famous Creag Meagaidh Range and surrounding peaks of at least 600m. It stretches east of the A82 between Spean Bridge and Invergarry, and north of the A86 as far east as Stob Coire Dubh. There are a large number of impressive winter climbs in Coire Ardair and endless navigation opportunities on and around the high central plateau of Creag Meagaidh itself. The mountains to the north and east of this range are under East Highlands, Monaliadth Mountains.