Craig Meagaidh (Gaelic: possibly Bogland Rock) 22 March 2026

A 9 o’clock meeting time at the NatureScot car park saw Emma. Stela, Gill, Agnes, David, Kieran, Jan, Euan, Chris, and Martyn get prepared for a day on the Creag Meagaidh group of hills. The path into Coire Ardair is a well laid affair making the approach relatively easy and despite some early drizzle the weather was steadily improving. After walking through Birch and into open ground the team regrouped at Lochan a Coire Ardair. There had been talk of attempting Easy Gully and Emma, Chris and David decided to give it a go. The rest of the team continued the ascent through Uinneag Coire Ardair (The window). It was full of soft snow into which some of the team ended up to their thighs. From there the final ascent of Creag Meagaidh was made under blue skies with good views. The going was challenging with snow and a strong very cold wind. The Easy Gully team rejoined and the group then made their way over two more Munros, Stobe Poite Coire Ardair and Carn Liath (spotting a Mountain Hare in its winter coat) before returning the car park.

Chris described the Easy Gully route:

It was great Martyn had organised to go to Creag Meagaidh as I was aware that the winter conditions had held well in this area. I'd been busy on Saturday evening looking at the possibility of Easy Gully (Grade I) and checking SAIS forecasts and Blogs. After a discussion in the car park, David and Emma were keen and kits was put in rucksacks, with the whole group headed to Lochan a' Choire as planned.  It's lovely starting a club walk on an easy path as its an opportunity to catch up with those you know and get to know members you've not met before.  Great to warm up gently rather than a steep climb out of the car park for someone in their late 50s!

The cloud had lifted and we could see the top of the gully and the snow cover when we stopped at the Lochan. David, Emma and I discussed our different experiences in winter gullies and climbing and our motivation for the day. After some indecision we walked into the bottom to look at the conditions closer up and decided from there. Closer inspection revealed a full line of what looked like good conditions in the gully and identified a point that we would stop at and could safely return to the bottom if we didn't like how it felt.

David lead off. It felt such a supportive group with no egos and just looking out for each other - it made it such an enjoyable experience that we were able to take in the views, snow, rock and ice formations.  We kept the communication going on the way up - saying what we noticed and making route choices together.  At about 3/4 of the way up Emma swapped to lead as David had done a lot of the hard work to that point and we topped out.  We felt really pleased with our achievement and after a quick bite to eat / drink we headed across the plateau towards Creag Meagaidh and came across the rest of the group returning from the summit and were able to spend the rest of the walk with them which made for a very enjoyable day.

Its the first time I've put forward an idea like this and so glad I did. Thanks to the membership and the committee for keeping it going through hard work and effort,  and those who organise and propose the day walks.

Taking part: Emma, Stela, Gill, Agnes, David, Kieran, Jan, Euan, Chris, and Martyn.

Words and Photos: Martyn & Chris