With a start at over 400 metres, Stuchd an Lochain gives a short ascent for a Munro. The initial climb is wet and steep but the ridge traverse that follows, around the top of the corrie cradling little Lochan nan Cat, is a delight.
Summary
Steep, wet ascent to the ridge with some erosion. Once on the ridge there is a line of fenceposts and path leading more easily to the summit.
Terrain
NN511463
Grid ref
8.5km/5.25 miles
Distance
Grade
Below Giorra Dam, Loch an Damh
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1. Take the minor road that branches off Glen Lyon to head up to the Giorra Dam of Loch an Daimh (which means the Loch of the Stag, not of the Dam!). There is parking just before the bridge over the river below the dam. Begin the walk by crossing the bridge and following the track which climbs up to the south end of the dam. The dam was built and the present loch created in the early 1960s as part of the Breadalbane hydroelectric scheme.
Photo of Dam and Stuchd an Lochain from the track to the north
2. A couple of hundred metres further along the track is a cairn marking the start of the original path up Stuchd an Lochain. This is badly eroded further on, and it is much better to continue on the track until reaching the boathouse on the shores of the reservoir. From here head steeply up firm grass to join the path above the damaged section. The path continues very steeply up towards the ridge and is wet in places. The recompense is in the improving views back down over the dam. Continue the ascent to the south-southwest until the east ridge of Creag an Fheadain is reached, with a line of old fenceposts running up it. Turn right and follow the now much drier path beside these. There is a short steeper section before the flat top of Creag an Fheadain, with a great view over Loch an Daimh.
3. The fenceposts and ridge now lead to the left and descent to a slight bealach before climbing once more, this time to the Top of Sron a'Chona Choirein. Stuchd an Lochain looks very fine, with the steep cliffs of Coire an Lochain plunging down from it to the pretty, circular Lochan nan Cat. Continue across the next slight descent and climb towards the summit.
Photo ©Andy Upton, and licensed under this Creative Commons Licence
4. The fenceposts go left just before the summit cairn, which is perched dramatically right on the edge of the crags. Stuchd an Lochain is 960 metres high and hence a Munro. Although a modest hill in terms of the giants of the area, the mountain has a strategic position and the view is very extensive. Ben Lawers dominates to the southeast, but the view north over Loch an Daimh has the best foreground. Most walkers return the same way, whilst many Munro baggers will be keen to ascend Meall Buidhe on the same day from the other side of the dam.
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