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The Hollow Mountain - Ben Cruachan did not let us down..:)

The Hollow Mountain - Ben Cruachan did not let us down..:)


Postby Bod » Tue May 08, 2012 8:19 pm

Route description: Ben Cruachan and Stob Daimh

Munros included on this walk: Ben Cruachan, Stob Daimh

Date walked: 05/05/2012

Time taken: 8.3 hours

Distance: 13.8 km

Ascent: 1420m

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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.
:D :D :D :crazy: :lol:

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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.
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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 :shock:
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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... :D :D :D
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.
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The Cruachan slabs.
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Radman and Hayley on the summit, no.100 safe in the bag!
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Valerie and I taking it all in, mountains and the sea, you cannae beat it!
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Wondeful Loch Etive looking to the north.
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The Ridge ahead looking east, our next stage of the day.....:)
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Onwards we must go (after a lovely time spent socialising and sharing a small Highland Park presented to Radman)
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The Party making good progress now seeking out what promised to be a fine ridge walk around to Stob Diamh.
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Some friendly passers by volunteered to take our group photo .... :)
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Possibly my favourite photo of the day, a belter of a shot looking back to Cruachan with Valerie and Hayley in the foreground!
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Stob Diamh approaches and we are pushing on a wee bit now, but still loving the day and taking time to enjoy this special place. Another small snack or two and a fine walk out over the remainder of the route.
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The Reservoir always nestling down below, with Loch Awe and stunning views across north Argyll.
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 :D :D :D :D :D :thumbup:
Last edited by Bod on Tue May 08, 2012 11:04 pm, edited 14 times in total.
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Bod
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Re: The Hollow Mountain - Ben Cruachan did not let us down..

Postby monty » Tue May 08, 2012 9:17 pm

Great set of photos Bod. Well done Radman. Nice photos of the slabs and the snow cornice. :D
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Re: The Hollow Mountain - Ben Cruachan did not let us down..

Postby Collaciotach » Tue May 08, 2012 10:13 pm

Grand pics Bod ... how 'd the dog do? .......reckoning in taking an cú onto Cruachan :D
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Re: The Hollow Mountain - Ben Cruachan did not let us down..

Postby mountain thyme » Tue May 08, 2012 10:16 pm

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
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Re: The Hollow Mountain - Ben Cruachan did not let us down..

Postby weescotsman » Tue May 08, 2012 10:48 pm

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.
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Re: The Hollow Mountain - Ben Cruachan did not let us down..

Postby dooterbang » Tue May 08, 2012 11:15 pm

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

Another fun day out on the hills.
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Re: The Hollow Mountain - Ben Cruachan did not let us down..

Postby 2dalmatians » Tue May 08, 2012 11:23 pm

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 :shock: :? :? :shock:
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Re: The Hollow Mountain - Ben Cruachan did not let us down..

Postby Stretch » Tue May 08, 2012 11:31 pm

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.
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Re: The Hollow Mountain - Ben Cruachan did not let us down..

Postby Bod » Tue May 08, 2012 11:33 pm

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 :shock: :? :? :shock:


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.... :D
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Re: The Hollow Mountain - Ben Cruachan did not let us down..

Postby Bod » Tue May 08, 2012 11:35 pm

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


.....taking an cú should be no bother at all :D :D :D
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Re: The Hollow Mountain - Ben Cruachan did not let us down..

Postby 2dalmatians » Tue May 08, 2012 11:40 pm

Cheers Bod. That's it decided - next week for this one!
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Re: The Hollow Mountain - Ben Cruachan did not let us down..

Postby SMRussell » Wed May 09, 2012 7:48 am

Ooh! Loving it Bod - those photos are mouthwatering :D
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Re: The Hollow Mountain - Ben Cruachan did not let us down..

Postby quoman » Wed May 09, 2012 8:47 am

A quality walk that excellent picture's and well done to Radman on the 100th.could'nt see a thing when i done it
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Re: The Hollow Mountain - Ben Cruachan did not let us down..

Postby jonny616 » Wed May 09, 2012 11:39 am

Excellent report & pics Bod. Nice way to spend your birthday 8)
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Re: The Hollow Mountain - Ben Cruachan did not let us down..

Postby b-illie » Wed May 09, 2012 3:52 pm

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