Creag Meagaidh

Creag Meagaidh, at 1,128-1,130 metres, is a magnificent massif — its name meaning "the crag of the tempestuous one" — a bare plateau fringed by some of the grandest cliffs in Scotland, above the dramatic corrie of Coire Àrdair.

The classic and most popular route starts from the Aberarder car park, following the well-maintained path into Coire Àrdair with stunning views of the towering cliffs and the tiny Lochan a' Choire nestled beneath them in a spectacular amphitheatre. From the lochan, a path continues up scree to The Window — the col between Stob Poite Coire Àrdair and Creag Meagaidh — often banked with snow and best left to experienced hillwalkers; those wanting only the lochan and cliffs should retrace their steps here rather than continue. From The Window, the slope eases into the vast plateau, crossed to the huge, ancient-looking Mad Meg's Cairn on the northern fringe — not the true summit, which lies a further 500 metres or so west where the plateau narrows into a ridge, culminating in the highest point of the whole massif with very extensive views on a clear day.

An alternative, quieter approach follows the south-west ridge from Moy, crossing pathless terrain to gain Creag na Cailliche before following a drystone dyke along much of the ridge — the fittest walkers extend this into a longer traverse taking in the neighbouring Munros of Beinn a' Chaorainn and Beinn Teallach.

Most walkers complete the full horseshoe, continuing from Creag Meagaidh back to The Window before descending steep, stony, eroded ground east down to Lochan a' Choire and back through Coire Àrdair — the full circuit taking in all three Munros (Càrn Liath, Stob Poite Coire Àrdair, Creag Meagaidh) is around 21 kilometres with roughly 1,080-1,650 metres of ascent, typically eight to ten hours.

The summit plateau can be very difficult to navigate in poor visibility, with genuine precipices nearby — this demands full navigation skills and equipment, and the descent through The Window is steep and can hold snow well into the year, requiring extra care.

The Aberarder car park is chargeable (card only); there is no public transport to the start.