Creag Meagaidh Circuit – A 3 Munros Walk in the Scottish Highlands
There are some hikes in Scotland that linger in your mind long after the boots are off, and the Creag Meagaidh circuit is one of them. This classic 3 Munros walk takes in Creag Meagaidh (1130m), Stob Poite Coire Àrdair (1054m), and Càrn Liath (1006m), forming a sweeping Highland horseshoe above Loch Laggan. It’s a route that combines drama, scale and atmosphere — everything you could want from a day of Munro bagging.
Starting the walk – clockwise into Coire Ardair
I chose to walk the circuit clockwise, mainly because the weather forecast suggested high winds building later in the day and clockwise gave me and teh dog the best chance of a less arduous hike into the wind. Heading this way not only gave me a more sheltered start but also meant I could enjoy one of the finest approaches in the Highlands — the walk into Coire Ardair.
From the very first steps, the eye is drawn straight ahead to the towering corrie wall, with Lochan a’ Choire tucked neatly beneath it remaining hidden from sight as a stunning surprise. The path is well constructed and easy to follow, but thanks to the ongoing conservation work here, the glen still feels raw and untouched. It reminded me a little of Corrie Fee in Angus — which still just edges it for me — but Coire Ardair is spectacular in its own right, one of the most dramatic corries in Scotland.
“The Window” and the climb to the plateau
The crags surrounding the corrie are a rock climber’s dream, vast cliffs that dominate the skyline. Before tackling the boulder field that leads up to the aptly named Window, I had to pause and take it all in. It’s one of those moments on a hike where the scenery demands your attention.
The Window is a steep, stony climb, but once gained it opens up the route onto the high plateau and the start of the Munro circuit. From here, the sense of space is immense.
The three Munros
Although the summits of this circuit are fairly rounded in shape, that doesn’t lessen their impact. The Creag Meagaidh massif is vast, and once you’re up there, the views are breathtaking. Each Munro is over 1000m, and on a clear day the panoramas stretch across Loch Laggan, towards Fort William, and over a sea of surrounding peaks.
🏔️ Creag Meagaidh – 1130m / 3707ft (Munro List No. 29)
🏔️ Stob Poite Coire Àrdair – 1054m / 3458ft (Munro List No. 76)
🏔️ Càrn Liath – 1006m / 3301ft (Munro List No. 127)
This is a hike that delivers on every level: a dramatic approach, a steep and satisfying climb, vast Highland views, and the achievement of linking three Munros in one continuous circuit.
Why hike the Creag Meagaidh circuit?
If you’re looking for one of the best hikes in the Scottish Highlands, or a memorable Munro bagging route, the Creag Meagaidh circuit should be high on your list. It offers variety — from glen to corrie, to summit — and a true sense of remoteness without ever being overly technical.
For me, it was a reminder of why I love the Highlands so much: the way the landscape can feel wild yet welcoming, challenging yet deeply rewarding. Creag Meagaidh is a place I’ll be returning to, without doubt.
I hope this write up has inspired you to get your hiking boots on! If you would like to chat to me about guiding you around this fantastic hike get in touch with me by any of the contact me buttons!