Cruach Ardrain and Beinn Tulaichean from the A82

[colingray8]

We had decided last week that three of us would tackle Cruach Ardrain and if time permitted Beinn Tulaichean, so John worked out a route and mailed it to us. On Thursday he called off as he had managed to double book himself so that just left Derek and I to tackle the proposed route. After reading many of the walk reports on here, I knew it could be boggy and after all the recent rain, I knew it would be boggy.
Followed the described route up the track and cut left down to the old bridge that's seen better days, and started the climb up to the summit of Grey Height. This bit wisnae as bad as I was expecting. A good slope for getting the legs and heart working. We soon arrived at the summit of Grey Height and admired the excellent view over Crianlarich. Turning our attention to Meall Dhamh we were soon engulfed by the cloud but at least the rain stayed off. It's just a matter of following the obvious path. From previous reports I knew there was a wee bit of a rocky descent before the final push up the steep grassy slope of Cruach Ardrain. This bit is a killer on the legs, and to help matters the rain came on. Arriving at the summit we had a quick 10 minute coffee and soggy piece. We retraced our steps back part of the way to the junction in the track. Taking the right (more of a straight on really) we were soon descending to the bealach in a full gale! Wind and rain blowing horizontal into us. Between the heat from me steaming them up and the rain on my glasses, I was really struggling to see. We made a mental note at the bealach as this is where we would be leaving the path on the way back. Up to the summit of Beinn Tulaichean, still heavy rain so de didn't hang about long. A quick shake of hands and back the way we had came to the bealach. From here we headed left down into the steep Coire Earb. In about 20 meter visibility, navigation was a bit of a challenge but we managed to find the bealach between Cruach Ardrain and Stob Glas. This brought us in to the top of Coire Cruaiche. Here we followed a fast flowing burn down to the River Falloch with the intent of crossing it and going down to meet the track and follow this back out. However, with all the recent rain there was no way we could cross the river so we were forced to trudge our way down the wet and boggy right side, back down to the old rickety bridge that we crossed on the way in. This bit was torture! No path, long grass and constant bog. Not to be recommended. Anyway, we eventually arrived back at the bridge and followed our route in back to the car.

Thanks to John - I think, for the route but it's a bloody nightmare down by the river. Not sure it would have been easier just following our route in and re-ascending Cruach Ardrain and following the decent path all the way back.

Anyway, another two ticked off.

No photo's as I was expecting to be in cloud all day so left the camera in the house.

[Stuart Angus]

However, with all the recent rain there was no way we could cross the river so we were forced to trudge our way down the wet and boggy right side, back down to the old rickety bridge that we crossed on the way in. This bit was torture! No path, long grass and constant bog. Not to be recommended.

It's a nightmare in there, I feel your pain. Coincidentally the left hand sides no better, as you'll find out when you do An Caisteal and Beinn a'Chroin.................good luck with that

[colingray8]

It's a nightmare in there, I feel your pain. Coincidentally the left hand sides no better, as you'll find out when you do An Caisteal and Beinn a'Chroin.................good luck with that

Aye Stuart, not the best walk.

The walk along the ridge is good and I imagine it would be even better if you have a view.

I quite fancy this walk in winter although I think Cruach Ardrain would be far enough.

Thanks,

/Colin.