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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.
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.
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
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...
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.
- The Cruachan slabs.
- Radman and Hayley on the summit, no.100 safe in the bag!
- Valerie and I taking it all in, mountains and the sea, you cannae beat it!
- Wondeful Loch Etive looking to the north.
- The Ridge ahead looking east, our next stage of the day.....:)
- Onwards we must go (after a lovely time spent socialising and sharing a small Highland Park presented to Radman)
- The Party making good progress now seeking out what promised to be a fine ridge walk around to Stob Diamh.
- Some friendly passers by volunteered to take our group photo .... :)
- Possibly my favourite photo of the day, a belter of a shot looking back to Cruachan with Valerie and Hayley in the foreground!
- 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.
- 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