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Before I mumble on, please find below the link to my set of pics for this walk....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ash_rob_2006/sets/72157633764730649/I've been planning this walk for several weeks now delayed mainly due to the recent below par weather, however leading up to Saturday 25th May 2013 I could see a cracking spell approaching and went for it and boy am I happy that I did, it turned out to be a cracker.
Set off at 06.45 and made it to the lay-by on A82 at 08.15 - this was with a little stop off to capture Ben Lomond at its finest on the glass like waters of Loch Lomond. 2 other cars greeted me and to be honest I expected there to be more, however upon returning after my walk the car park was full!! I was quite pleased that I made it out early. Clear blue skies and 10 degrees upon arrival at the lay-by. Kitted up and on the off by 08.30. I jumped over the first gate I saw into the boggy field and immediately remembered that there was a farmers road that led to and through the railway under pass, hey-ho you live and learn. I had decided to wear my Salomon XT Wing trainers and was immediately worried as I made my way through the boggy field however made it dry by clinging to the fence. The route thereafter was dry to my delight.
I followed the farmers road to the rickety bridge and crossed it as I decided to make my way via Grey Height and Meall Dhamh. Upon crossing the bridge the path disappears so I hugged a route beside the fence and thereafter followed the edge of the trees and Grey Height was then in view. A steep start but well worth it, it kind of levels out quickly and you get your breath back. Views open up and today the views were stunning up the Glen, of An Caisteal and Beinn a Chroin. Then at Grey Height you get an awesome view of Cruach Ardrain which I think makes the route so worth while.
The sun was beating down with little wind however the temperature still required a t-shirt covered by a fleece ( plus my factor 30 was already on just in case ).
Not a sole to be seen and the summit of Cruach Ardrain was reached in 2 hrs 45 mins. Met a fellow walker already at the summit and enjoyed a long chat over lunch, he had come from Inverlochlarig side. Spent approximately 45 minutes chatting and having lunch before setting off to Beinn Tuleichean, which looked very inviting from the summit of Cruach Ardrain. Views from the summit of Cruach Ardrain were unobstructed and very clear, Ben Nevis, Ben Oss, Ben Lui, etc etc. Very enjoyable indeed.
45 minutes further and I was at the summit of Beinn Tuleichean, again a few fellow walkers out and coming from Inverlochlarig side. Everyone was in fine form and chatting away - mainly because of the stunning weather and views. Again spent a good 45 minutes chatting to others, picture taking and more food. Nice views south to Ben Lomond, Ben Ledi, BenVorlich / Stuc a Chroin, etc.
Set off on my route back to lay-by which entailed re-climbing almost to the top of Cruach Ardrain again before you meet the two small cairns which signal a small detour route down the LHS of Cruach Ardrain. Good path on this route and quickly rejoins the original ascent route climbed earlier that day. Good progress made and my feet were perfectly dry in my trainers ( good choice ) until nearly at the rickety bridge I found a nice bog and straight in I went! Hey-ho nearly back at the car.
Re-crossed the bridge and had to take a pic, the water was perfectly clear and flowing beautifully. Back to the lay-by, total time 7hours and 10minutes. Awesome day and can not wait to get bak out....enjoy the pics.
