Meall a’Chrasgaidh

M243 | 934 m. | 3065 ft.
Translation: Hill of the crossing
Pronuncation: myowl a chraskee

Start at the A 835 two kilometers west of Loch Droma was a mistake because river crossing was extremely difficult. The dam of Loch Droma to be recommended. Up the land rover track beside the Allt a’Mhadaidh and further on the stalker’s path to Loch a’Mhadaidh. From there up the North East ridge of Meall a’Chrasgaidh avoiding the steeper upper part of that ridge by detouring to the east and then up the steep hillside WNW to the crest of the summit ridge. Ice axe and crampons a must on that part of the climb. Very strong head-on winds. Track making extremely exhausting with the very deep snow and galeforce wind. When we climbed over the crest we were blown away. Never experienced such winds. Walking absolutely impossible for a time. In a lull we fought our way to the cairn on the summit and rested for a short time in the stone shelter nearby. Planned continuation to Carn Na Criche, Sgurr Mor and Beinn Liath Mhor Fannich would have been suicidal this day. Thus quick descent over the steep north side of the hill to the foot of the North East ridge of the hill. Return on approch path. Memorable but extremely tiring day. (Noteable: loss of a glove, googles and walking pole)

Description These three mountains lie on a north-south ridge in the western half of the Fannaichs. Sgurr nan Clach Geala is the finest of the three, its east-facing corrie which is flanked on the north by a line of steep buttresses being the most impressive feature of the mountain. To its south Sgurr nan Each is a peak of similar shape but smaller stature and to its north Meall a' Chrasgaidh is a more rounded hill with its steep side overlooking Loch a' Mhadaidh.The approach to these three mountains starts from the A832 road at the point where a track leads to Loch a' Bhraoin. Go along this track, round the east end of the loch and up a path which leads south into the mountains. Soon after crossing the Allt Breabaig leave the path and climb east up the steep lower slopes of Meall a' Chrasgaidh. Higher up the angle eases and a broad ridge leads to the summit. Go south-east down the broad smooth ridge to a wide col and climb south up the steepening slopes to Sgurr nan Clach Geala. From there continue south to Sgurr nan Each. Return north along the ridge for > kilometre and descend west to the pass at the head of the Allt Breabaig. Go down the path along this stream to return to Loch a' Bhraoin.