The first weekend of the year, and what a weekend. After 40 days and nights of biblical Scottish rain, the weather broke with negligible wind, perfect visibility, and a solid snow covering across both mountains. This was the day we’d been waiting for — our first real winter Munro since completing our winter skills course, and the Glencoe mountains delivered everything we could have hoped for.
Creise and Meall a’ Bhùiridh sit above the Glencoe Mountain Resort (formerly White Corries) and make for one of the most spectacular winter days out in Scotland. In summer they’re a fine hill walk; in winter, with snow covering the slopes and crampons biting into the packed surface, they become something truly memorable.
Route Overview
- Meall a’ Bhùiridh — Munro — Hill of the Bellowing (of stags) — 1,108m
- Creise — Munro — Narrow / Rich Grazing Land — 1,100m
- Total distance: 11.4km
- Total ascent: 1,149m
- Moving time: ~4.5 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous — steep ascent, exposed ridge, winter skills required in snow
| Munro Name | Pronunciation | Translation | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meall a’ Bhùiridh | Myall a Voo-ree | Hill of the Bellowing | 1,108m |
| Creise | Cray-shuh | Narrow / Rich Grazing | 1,100m |
The route starts from the Glencoe Mountain Resort car park, climbs Meall a’ Bhùiridh alongside the ski infrastructure, then traverses the ridge to Creise before returning the same way. In winter, crampons and an ice axe are essential.
Getting There and Parking
Car park at the Glencoe Mountain Resort off the A82 near the Kings House Hotel (PH49 4HZ). Charges may apply during ski season — we paid a £2 donation. There’s a café on site, which is a huge bonus for pre-hike fuel and post-hike recovery.
From Glasgow, it’s just over 2 hours up the A82. From Edinburgh, allow around 2.5 hours.
Spectacular sunrise over the Glencoe mountains on the drive up
Navigation note: when starting the hike, go between the two buildings after passing the ski lift on the left and follow the path clearly marked “FOOTPATH.” We immediately took the wrong path — don’t make the same mistake.
The Ascent — Meall a’ Bhùiridh
Looking up at the ski slopes from the start
The path follows the ski lift up the mountain. We had a few conversations with snowboarders and skiers taking the more leisurely way up — one kid suggested they’d have been better climbing. At that point, I’d have happily swapped places.
A lone hiker on the snowy slopes
The path heads right and away from the top of the first ski lift. As the snow deepened and the gradient increased, we made the decision to put on crampons. This was the first real test since our winter skills course — putting them on felt like a small victory in itself.
Looking up at Creise through the snow
Looking back down the slopes, we were presented with incredible views of Buachaille Etive Mòr from an angle we weren’t used to — the winter light highlighting every crevice and crag.
Views back towards Buachaille Etive Mòr
Looking over at Buachaille Etive Mòr in winter light
Walking on the perfectly smooth, compacted snow with crampons made the ascent incredibly satisfying. We took regular breaks to catch our breath, but the conditions were as good as winter mountaineering gets.
Donna surveying the winter panorama
Donna on the upper slopes with stunning winter views
Meall a’ Bhùiridh Summit — 1,108m
At 1,108m, the summit views were extraordinary. We did the obligatory summit boop, grabbed photos and video clips, and then started the traverse towards Creise.
The Ridge to Creise
This is the highlight of the day — and the most demanding section. The path is narrow in places with steep drops on either side. In winter conditions, the ridge demands respect and good crampon technique.
Panoramic views from the ridge between the two peaks
As you approach the Creise ridge, the ground steepens and the exposure increases. This was possibly the biggest test of my nerves and how far we’d come in terms of ability. Climbing through this section felt like a genuinely triumphant moment.
Creise Summit — 1,100m
Views from Creise looking back along the ridge
The ridge walk to the true summit of Creise is a pleasant 30–40m of elevation gain. The newly classified true summit stands 1m higher than the original summit marker on the southern point of the ridge. The views from the top are stunning — the full Glencoe panorama stretches before you, with Buachaille Etive Mòr and Buachaille Etive Beag prominent to the north.
The Descent
The return retraces the ridge back to Meall a’ Bhùiridh — having to re-climb the original summit felt like a kick in the teeth with jelly legs. From there, we descended the ski slopes back towards the resort.
The big question: would we make the chairlift down in time? It was still moving as we approached, and thankfully the operators spotted us and allowed us on just before they closed. A lucky end to a brilliant day.
When to Climb Creise and Meall a’ Bhùiridh
Winter (December–March) is when these mountains are at their absolute best. Full snow cover, crampons biting into packed surfaces, and winter light on the Glencoe mountains make this one of the finest winter days out in Scotland. Crampons, an ice axe, and winter navigation skills are essential.
Summer (May–September) is a fine hill walk with excellent views, though the ski infrastructure on Meall a’ Bhùiridh gives it a less wild feel than other Glencoe peaks.
Autumn and Spring can both deliver good conditions — check MWIS forecasts and be prepared for either summer or winter conditions depending on snow levels.
Combine With
The Glencoe area has an embarrassment of Munro riches. Buachaille Etive Mòr is just across the glen. Stob Dubh and Stob Coire Raineach (Buachaille Etive Beag) are also nearby, accessible from a layby on the A82.
Tips for This Route
- Don’t skip winter. These mountains are transformed by snow. If you can only do them once, do them in winter.
- Start at the FOOTPATH sign. The route through the resort buildings is easy to miss — look for the marked footpath between the buildings.
- The ridge demands respect. Narrow sections with steep drops on either side. In winter, take your time and check your crampon placement.
- The chairlift might save your legs. If it’s running, ask the operators — they may let you ride down. No guarantees.
- The café is a real asset. Post-hike food and coffee at the resort car park is a luxury not all Munros offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard are Creise and Meall a’ Bhùiridh? In summer, it’s a strenuous but straightforward hill walk. In winter, the ridge between the two peaks is exposed and requires winter mountaineering skills, crampons, and an ice axe. Allow 5–7 hours.
Do you need crampons? In winter, absolutely. The snow-covered slopes and the exposed ridge make crampons and an ice axe essential. In summer, standard hillwalking boots are fine.
Where do you park? Glencoe Mountain Resort car park (PH49 4HZ), off the A82 near Kings House Hotel. Charges may apply during ski season.
Is this route suitable for dogs? In summer, the path is manageable for fit dogs. In winter, the conditions are too demanding for most dogs — the ridge with cornices and steep snow slopes is not appropriate for canine companions.
