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Gosh! Spoilt again with the weather. We stopped over in Perth with a couple of walks in mind, depending on the forecast. In the end forecast was not brilliant but I thought if its too bad then a reverse descent back the way we came would be reasonable. Instead the weather, again, was fantastic.
Parking is a little sparse by the side of the road, next to the railway station. The start of the path actually goes under the rail line - thru the dank little tunnel you see on the path up to the station!
As is the norm for walks in this area, the approach up to the Dam is enjoyable with views over Loch Awe.
- Morning over the Cruachan dam
Looking at Ben Cruachan's profile you might think the climb to the top is a little steep. If it is you don't notice it. The approach up the south ridge is long and tiresome but not as bad as I thought it might be.
- Looking up the south ridge (no, that's not the top!)
Once you summit, you realise it was all worth it and those reports that say this is one of the best ridge walks in the Highlands - are spot on.
- A view SW, from the summit of Cruachan
The ridge itself is not fearsome. The northern aspect is precipitous, the southern aspect a steep slope.True, there are one or two easy rocky bits on the initial descent from Ben Cruachan. Even under snow, these were Ok. A very windy day might put you off.
- The ridge from Ben Cruachan
My only downer was the final descent back to the dam road. That last mile or so down the slope and along the dam was an 'orrible bog!
But take nothing away from what I thought was a perfect, early winter's day outing.
Another one I would definitely recommend doing again.