Scramble on Meall Cumhann: the secret side of Ben Nevis
Along a forested wild gorge with cliffs is the way to a scramble that gives you stunning views of a 'film star' waterfall and a landscape that looks like it should be in 'Lord of the Rings"
Surrounded by bigger mountains Meall Cumhann at a modest 698m is often overlooked as people rush by to its bigger and more glamorous neighbours. But the ‘Narrow Lumpy Hill’, as its name translate from Gaelic is a true Highland gem of a mountain with a lovely scramble to the summit that gives you stunning views into the ‘Waters of Nevis’ wilderness and the views of Ben Nevis few see.
"A great introduction to Scottish mountains and scrambles."
Meall Cumhanns size makes it perfect as an introduction to Scottish mountains and scrambles or as a ‘easy’ day after doing Ben Nevis or the Ring of Steall, both big days.
That size, relatively easy approach also make it a great mountain for families or groups of varied fitness. You’ll really get to be ‘in the mountains’ and use mountaineering skills but at half the height and work of scaling Ben Nevis but all the fun and adventure.
And the films star waterfall?
Steall falls waterfall is featured in the movie Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Harry faces down a Hungarian Horntail dragon in the Triwizard Tournament. You can see it in the first frame of the video above, this adventure gives you fairy tale views of the Steall Falls.
"...do I need a helmet and rope?"
Yes, a helmet, harness and any other specialist equipment are all part of your guiding package. We have harness’s and helmets for smaller children, young adults and larger adults. We carry a rope and technical climbing equipment to keep you safe and confident on the exposed parts of the scrambles. Our guides are used to supporting people who feel less confident as well as giving the more confident the skills to become independent mountaineers who can do routes like this on their own.
Click here to see our scrambling adventures, do you want an introduction or do you want advanced skills so you can be an independent mountaineer?
Hello! Regarding Meall Cumhann:
I am a middle aged breast cancer survivor with average exercise and climbing skills – how much arm strength/dependability is needed for this trek? I fair better in situations where I don’t have to lift my weight, or where I can leverage with my arms at or below shoulder height.
Thank you!
Hello! Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, the website didn’t let us know about your message. Apologies.
Good questions, to be honest, I am not sure as you’ll know a lot of climbing comes down to technique, not strength. One this scramble you ‘push’ your way up with the leg muscles the arms are just for balance. With average fitness and climbing skills, this should be doable.
Further down Glen Nevis is a scramble call Scimitar, it can be is only a short distance from the road and most of the scrambly bits can be turned on the left or right, apart from the first slab. This makes it a great place to go and see how your skills work, then we could move on up the glen to Meall Cumhann or go onto an abseil or Tyrolean Traverse across the Nevis Gorge, as these are easier on the arms.
Either way, we can tailor a great day out for you and adapt it as we go on!
Take care,
Simon
Wild Mountain Guides