Map: OS Landranger 34 (GR418857)
Distance: 13 miles (21 km)
Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
Terrain: paths
At 1128m (3700ft) Creag Meagaidh ranks at number 30 in the Munros height table but it's a comparatively straightforward ascent. The path into Coire Ardair has been substantially upgraded in recent years, making the climb an attractive proposition for all ages.
From the large new car park, follow the path to Aberarder farm and continue up into Coire Ardair, keeping right where it divides above the glen woodland. Continue ascending more steeply towards the wooded shoulder of Na Cnapanan to a small cairned path beside a burn ditch on the right, at the start of a denser section of woodland.
Follow the rocky zigzag path up and out from the trees, continuing over boggy ground to gain the col between Na Cnapanan and broad south ridge of Carn Liath. The ridge offers a steady ascent to the stony summit plateau, a large cairn and fine views of the Creag Meagaidh cliffs at the head of Coire Ardair.
Initially stony slopes are descended west to pick up the main ridge line and pleasant grassy going over Meall an-t-Snaim to a narrower and rockier section leading to a notch in the ridge below the well-defined summit of Sron Coire a' Chriochairean. Further grassy slopes lead round to Stob Poite Coire Ardair, the second Munro of the day. Drop down to The Window, the prominent notch below, and plod your way up to gain the Meagaidh plateau. The route isn't as steep or as unpleasant as it looks and the summit is reached in about 20 minutes. A return can be made to The Window and the Coire Ardair path, but the horseshoe on which the mountain lies contours grassy slopes east to Puist Coire Ardair above the cliffs and traverses a ridge round the south side of Coire Ardair to Sron a' Ghoire.
Descend east then north-east to the bealach before the final rise and follow the Allt Bealach a' Ghoire down towards Aberarder farm below. The angle of the heathery corrie is moderate but the going is wet and surprisingly slippery. An indeterminate path on the north side of the burn becomes clearer as height is lost until a track is reached on the moorland below.
Follow this to a bridge over the Allt Coire Ardair and the path network surrounding the farm. Turn left and follow the path back to the car park.
