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Forecast looked reasonably hopeful for these two, though there had been some snow about. I was reasonably familiar with first part, having done neighbouring pair from the A82, a month or so ago. There was one fellow getting his gear ready, as I pulled in to the lay-by. Said he'd been up Cruach Ardrain many times and seemed happy to let me set off in front of him. Certainly looked an 'old hand' and I thought his thoughts would be, he'll give me a good laugh or, I'll end up having to rescue him
!
- Distant Cruach Ardrain from A82.
Anyway, I thought I'd take the ice axe and crampons, even though there wasn't much signs of the snow from the bottom. They're working on a mini hydro-electric project there, however the workers were very accommodating, to allow me pass by. In due course the track may improve and a new bridge be put across the River Falloch. I made quite good progress up to the "rickety old bridge," higher up river, but the going up to Grey Height, was quite tough. I had chosen to make my way more southerly, east towards the top, rather than stick by the fence up the forest. The old fella (that makes me young, right?) stuck by the fence. Experience wins again!
- Top of Grey Height.
- Looking down on by-pass works at Crianlarich.
- Cruach Ardrain looking big, from ridge up.
On the ridge from Grey Height, there is a reasonably good track, although there's a couple of spots where more care is needed, so don't let your concentration wander as the summit pinnacle and Ben More come into view. At one point the track nears perilously close to a steep fall on the NE side of Meall Dhamh and there was a tricky step down, made worse by a coating of ice. By this point, I could see the two owners of footprints, I was gradually catching up with.
- Across Cruach Ardrain to Ben More.
- Final stretch to summit, Cruach Ardrain.
- Beinn Oss, Dubhcraig and Ben Lui keeking above.
The climb begins to steepen again but doesn't present much problem, though I was to find out this was the by-pass route, when returning from Beinn Tulaichean, whereas the more direct route up is harder to spot, as it branches off more to the north. I was just under the three hours to the top.
- Ridge down to Grey Height.
- Track to Beinn Tulaichean.
- Stob Binnein.
- Ben More & Stob Binnein.
Good views, but not great due to some cloud and a chill wind. The two English lads in front of me, were well tucked in to a shelter and to their grubbed, so I stopped for a natter and refreshment myself. Wasn't too long before my pursuer, Alistair (if I remember right), popped into view as well. Keen to keep up with the clock, I set off with him for Beinn Tulaichean. Path over to there quite easy to see and we passed several other pairs and a runner, making their way towards us. Only about three quarters of an hour to the top. Makes a bit of a mockery of some others which don't earn Munro status!?
- Cruach Ardrain from 'the other side,' (south).
- To Loch Voil and Balquidder.
Alistair was going to have his grub, so I made back for Cruach Ardrain. Took a few more photo's from there, then headed down on a more direct path - the one I should have come up. Unfortunately, slid and landed on botty a couple of times. Fortunately, Alistair not there to see! Near a big puddle at the bottom, I stopped for a drink and to my horror, couldn't see my axe. Damn, must have fallen off when I slipped. What to do? Ach, if I retrace my steps, I'll probably soon find it! Nah, all the way back near the top and no sign of it. Third time up here!
- Cruach Ardrain, down!
- An Caisteal.
- Crianlarich.
- Glenbruar Viaduct, Crianlarich.
Ah well, back down to my rucksack, where I could see Alistair had arrived on the by-pass route, wondering where I'd got too? I was rather embarrassed to explain what had happened, but then totally embarrassed, as Alistair spotted my axe beneath my rucksack. What a wally, me! Anyway, I was glad I wasn't facing having to purchase a new one.
The route back was quite pleasant, chatting away, as we made it back to the lay-by before the mist came down. Took me about six and a half hours, if you excuse my detour back up the hill!
