Meall an Spardain

Overlooking the upper reaches of the River Spey, this rounded Monadhliath summit offers a quiet, pathless alternative to the busier Corrieyairack Pass. The terrain is characteristically heathery and peat-scarred, rewarding a rough ascent with clear perspectives of the sprawling Creag Meagaidh massif across the glen to the south.

• •The name is derived from the Gaelic 'Meall an Spardain', which translates as 'Hill of the Roost' or 'Hill of the Perch', likely referring to its position as a prominent lookout point above the surrounding moorland.
• •The hill sits directly north of the historic Corrieyairack Pass, the high-altitude military road constructed by General Wade in 1731 to connect Dalwhinnie with Fort Augustus.
• •From the summit, walkers gain an excellent profile view of the 'Window' at Creag Meagaidh, the distinctive notch that sits between the crags of Coire Ardair and the plateau above.
• •The ground between the summit and the Corrieyairack track is a masterclass in Scottish peat hags; it is an ideal destination for those who find walking on solid ground a bit too predictable.