|
One of the easiest Munros in the land to scale
must be Creag Leacach, to the south east of the popular ski resort at Glenshee.
A lot of hikers climb Creag Leacach either at the start or the end of a round of
Munros on the eastern side of the A93, but it can be used as a perfect
leg-stretcher on its own if you are pushed for time. One of the reasons these
hills are so popular is the fact that the access road is so high above sea level
that a lot of the hard work is done for you.
Leave your transport at the small car park near the Devil's Elbow and drop down
into a small gully where a small burn has to be crossed. The path then follows
another waterway at the foot of the grassy Meall Gorm. This path is badly eroded
in some places and care must be taken that you do not lose your footing and slip
down the bank and into the burn.
Cross over the burn and begin climbing the north ridge of Meall Gorm. The going
is fairly easy and you will soon arrive at its 759 metre summit. From here
follow the obvious ridge towards Creag Leacach and its long flat summit ridge.
The mountain top is characterised by its huge expanse of broken stone which can
easily trap an ankle if you are not careful. Pass the first summit cairn at 943
metres before carrying on north east along the line of an old fence to reach the
true summit at 987 metres.
From
here you can either continue on along the ridge to the neighbouring Munro, Glas
Maol, or simply retrace your steps and return the way you came.
|
WALK FACTS
Distance 3
miles/5km.
Map OS Landranger
sheet 43.
Start/Parking Layby on the A93 at the base of the Devil's Elbow.
Grading An easy Munro suitable for all reasonably fit walkers. At certain times
the ski resort cafe will be open to provide refreshments. |