3,707 ft · Monadhliath, Scotland
Creag Meagaidh
Creag Meagaidh is a 3,707 ft peak in the Monadhliath, Scotland. The standard route is the Coire Ardair and The Window: 11 mi, 3,120 ft of gain, Class 2.
Creag Meagaidh at a glance
- Elevation3,707 ft1,129 m
- RouteCoire Ardair and The WindowClass 2
- Distance11 mi3,120 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeMonadhliathScotland
Climbing the Coire Ardair and The Window
From Laggan, drive west on the A86 along Loch Laggan to the Aberarder car park at the National Nature Reserve (card-only parking charge, toilets). A well-built path climbs through birch woods into Coire Ardair to Lochan a' Choire beneath the cliffs, then a steep scree path leads up to The Window (Class 2). Aim for its west end, then cross the vast plateau past Mad Meg's cairn to the summit. Usually climbed as a circuit with Stob Poite Coire Ardair and Carn Liath. The Window often holds snow into early summer, and the plateau is featureless in mist, so take a precise bearing.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Low visibility
- Route-finding difficulty
- Cornices
- Loose rock
Quests with Creag Meagaidh
MunrosPeaks near Creag Meagaidh
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Creag Meagaidh?
Creag Meagaidh is 3,707 feet (1,129 m) tall. It is in the Monadhliath, Scotland.
How does Creag Meagaidh rank among the Munros?
At 3,707 feet, Creag Meagaidh is the 27th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Creag Meagaidh?
The Coire Ardair and The Window is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 11 miles with 3,120 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Creag Meagaidh?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Coire Ardair and The Window, covering 11 miles with 3,120 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Creag Meagaidh?
The Coire Ardair and The Window needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 3,120 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Creag Meagaidh?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Creag Meagaidh with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list