Walkhighlands

Check out Radman's report too as this was his century of munros reached on the summit of stunning Ben Cruachan. It what a joy and pleasure for Valerie and I to join Radman and Hayley on this great mountain, that I had been casting my eyes over for years on numerous adventures and trips to Argyll and the Isles.

We had bumped into Clivew again (as we do...) in the layby of the A85, exchanged greetings and watched him head off up the path to the railway underpass whilst we sorted our kit and discussed our day. Soon we were walking steeply up through the woods eager for our first sight of the mountain, especially Radman in anticipation of his conquest.
On arriving out onto the lower open mountainside below Cruachan Reservoir the view of the dam dominates and I found myself marvelling at the engineering and achievements that lay below in what many refer to as the 'Hollow Mountain'. I had been deep inside the mountain a few years back after visiting the Power Station where you get get driven deep inside the mountain from the loch level. The minibus had gone several hundred metres into the core before you got out to have a look at the turbines and instrumentation rooms. It was hard to believe what all lay below our feet, and I was told too that an entrance to this area was accessible too from the dam After climbing up onto the dam itself a fine walk extends along the track on the west side of the Reservoir where again we took note of a water tunnel emerging from through the mountain taking water from 2km away at Allt Brander to assist in topping up the Cruachan bowl. We could see on Radman's 1:25,000 memory map, the water tunnels marked, covering many kilometres around the Cruachan range. After that we were soon ascending Coire Dearg to the bealach with a bonnie wee lochan much appreciated by Ritchie who had been on his lead most of the way so far. I had a acknowledged the local farmer earlier on down below the dam with a simple wave as many of his sheep had young lambs. And a welcoming chap he was too...
Now Radman knew he was getting close, so up we went seeking the best route and best views in all directions. Over boulders, up the path, back on to larger boulders, the Taynuilt peak appearing, the Cruachan slabs now in view, excitement and fun a plenty and all in agreement that this mountain was special and how lucky we were to have such a fantastic day. Once back down to the dam on its east side this time, you follow back down the single track road for a bit before dropping off down in to the same approach path from earlier on. We had loved our walk over these two Munros and could not have asked for a more amazing experience. Ben Cruachan lived up to all expectations and more. It was my Birthday too so a rare treat indeed

Great set of photos Bod. Well done Radman. Nice photos of the slabs and the snow cornice.

Grand pics Bod ... how 'd the dog do? .......reckoning in taking an cú onto Cruachan

some cracking pics Bod .. well done Radman on reaching 100

i remember these 2 well.. slipped on the path on the way down and convinced i broke my coccyx! oouch

Those slabs look so much easier when they ain't covered in ice and snow............. like they were back on April 14th when we did the route. And that narrow path pic as well, that was snow covered and I was bricking it as I inched along it ever so slowly....... reckon SC was maybe my hardest outing since doing Ben Starav when I was only just starting out on the munro's..... Great pics and a fab day out.

What a perfect day to accompany someone reaching the 100, and not the only one these last months

Another fun day out on the hills.

Nice report Bod and some excellent photos. How severe is the scramble.? Thinking about this for next week but not sure if I will cope

Very nice! I thoroughly enjoyed these two hills so this brings back fond memories. Also, well done Radman, great way to reach the century mark.

2dalmatians wrote:Nice report Bod and some excellent photos. How severe is the scramble.? Thinking about this for next week but not sure if I will cope

Hi there, you should be fine, especially if it's dry. Even if wet, but keep an eye out for more frost, ice and snow. There is a by pass below too should you need it and an option of routes on the slab....

Collaciotach wrote:Grand pics Bod ... how 'd the dog do? .......reckoning in taking an cú onto Cruachan

.....taking an cú should be no bother at all

Cheers Bod. That's it decided - next week for this one!

Ooh! Loving it Bod - those photos are mouthwatering

A quality walk that excellent picture's and well done to Radman on the 100th.could'nt see a thing when i done it

Excellent report & pics Bod. Nice way to spend your birthday

Belated happy birthday, Bod!
Those flat rocks on the mountainside don't look like my cup of tea. How did Ritchie cope with these?