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The Sustainable Stop

Munro Profile 30: Creag Meagaidh

Region: Central Highlands – Loch Laggan basin
Height: 1,128m (3,697 ft)

Creag Meagaidh, “crag of the tempestuous one,” is a sculptural giant of the Central Highlands, rising in dramatic layers above Coire Ardair and the dark waters of Lochan a’ Choire. Its summit plateau is broad and windswept, framed by cliffs and corrie walls that evoke mythic scale and elemental hush. Often climbed as part of a circuit with Càrn Liath and Stob Poite Coire Ardair, it offers a ceremonial journey through regenerating woodland, high ridges, and the steep gateway known as The Window. For campervan travellers, access begins at Aberarder, with staging near the NatureScot buildings and proximity to Loch Laggan.

Trailhead and Parking

The main access point is the Aberarder car park, located off the A86 between Newtonmore and Spean Bridge. It’s spacious and suitable for daytime campervan access, with seasonal toilets and wildlife displays nearby. Overnighting is possible with discretion, though wild camping is discouraged near the buildings. The car park sits beneath birch woodland and offers immediate access to the Coire Ardair path.

Route Overview

The standard circuit begins by tracing a well-constructed path into Coire Ardair, climbing steadily toward The Window, a steep col that opens onto the summit plateau. From there, walkers often continue west to Creag Meagaidh, then loop back via Stob Poite Coire Ardair and Càrn Liath. The full circuit is ~19 km with ~1,200 metres of ascent, taking 6.5 to 9 hours depending on pace and weather. The terrain includes rocky ridges, grassy slopes, and exposed sections, ideal for ceremonial pacing and panoramic reflection.

Distance and elevation may vary slightly depending on summit order and descent route.

Navigation Notes

The route is well-defined through the lower glen but becomes faint and exposed on the ridge. The Window can be steep and icy in winter, requiring confident movement. The summit plateau is broad and cairned, with views stretching across the Monadhliath, Ben Alder Forest, and the distant folds of Lochaber. A map and compass are essential, and GPS is helpful for ridge transitions and descent planning.

Campervan Suitability

Day parking at Aberarder is spacious and scenic, with deer often visible near the trailhead. Overnight options include the Laggan campsite, wild laybys along the A86, and community-supported staging near Newtonmore. Facilities are limited at the trailhead, so pack with foresight and respect local signage.

Fuel and Supplies

Laggan offers a small café and shop, while Newtonmore and Kingussie provide fuel, supermarkets, and outdoor gear. For full resupply, Aviemore and Fort William are well-equipped. Water refill is available at Aberarder during staffed hours.

Legacy Log

Creag Meagaidh’s name evokes storm and wildness, and its summit lives up to the legend. Known for its dramatic cliffs, regenerating woodland, and panoramic solitude, it draws legacy stewards and wilderness pilgrims alike. The journey through Coire Ardair and The Window is both practical and poetic, a passage through elemental terrain and mythic scale.

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 30 in your campervan-access series. If you’ve traced the tempest’s hush, paused at the plateau’s edge, or found a rhythm in Coire Ardair’s sculptural folds, your reflections are welcome. Each insight helps shape the archive and supports fellow travellers.

Sources Used
These sites provide far more detailed and comprehensive overviews of the walks and Munros than I could hope to cover here:

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