Loch Lochy Hills (Sròn a’ Choire Ghairbh (M. 935m) and Meall na Teanga (M. 917m) 

A group of five met at the car park at Kilfinnan on a cloudy but dry day.  It was noted that preliminary access works have started at the end of the Kilfinnan road for the Coire Glas pump storage scheme, the first major pump storage scheme in the UK for 40 years. The upper dam will flood Coire Glas below Meall a’ Choire Ghlas   with the underground power station cavern deep below Sean Mheall on the pleasant ridge between Sròn a’ Choire Ghairbh and Meall nan Dearcag which was our return route to Kilfinnan.  The very bumpy and potholed access road from the A82 to Kilfinnan will be upgraded but the main access to the upper dam will be from White Bridge across the flanks of Ben Tee.     

The group set off and as they followed the forestry track through Kilfinnan Woodsthere was more work being carried out just above Loch Lochy. Then a path was taken on the right to the Cam Bhealach between Meall na Teanga and Sròn a’ Choire Ghairbh where a wee break was taken. Then a steady ascent of Meall na Teanga (Hill of the Tongue) was undertaken with an interruption where ice axes and crampons were used to cross a short stretch of snow on some steep ground. Apart from the edges and some isolated patches most of the snow had been stripped from the hill. The group gained the top with good visibility, the cloud was just shrouding the higher tops.

Lunch was taken on descending back to the bealach, it was noted that there was hardly any wind at all and not too cold. There were a few people out and about including some fell runners.

The next ascent was then started and the top of Sròn a’ Choire Ghairbh (Nose of the Rough Corrie) soon gained. There were excellent views up the Great Glen and Loch Linnhe to the south west, however the high tops were still shrouded in cloud. The view into Coire Glas was clear. This is where the dam will be locatated for the pump storage scheme. There is a loch (Loch a Choire Ghlais) there already. The route then took the team along the ridge to Sean Mheall and Meall nan Dearcag following an intermittent path. It was a fine ridge to follow, the group discussed tracks that could be seen in the snow, fox?

As the team descended light rain set in, however as it was coming in from the west it was of no consequence. Back at the car park it was agreed it was a good day in the hills.

Taking part: Martyn, Emma, Karolina, Arthur and prospective member Andrew

Words: Martyn

Photos: Arthur, Martyn and Andrew