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Warning Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.

Beinn a'Bhuiridh and Stob Diamh

Beinn a'Bhuiridh and Stob Diamh


Postby JimboJim » Fri Mar 18, 2016 7:26 pm

Route description: Ben Cruachan and Stob Daimh

Munros included on this walk: Stob Daimh

Corbetts included on this walk: Beinn a' Bhuiridh

Date walked: 09/03/2016

Distance: 16 km

Ascent: 1225m

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Had previously eyed up the possibility of doing Beinn a'Bhuiridh, from the ridge going up the north side of the Allt Coire Glas. Indeed, I had tried this route in December last year, but conditions were poor, hardly any vis, windy and cold, so eventually had to give up, having made it up to the 947m spot. Still, I thought this would be a good route to try and with better forecast, now was the time. Only downside, was my good mate, Big jasper being laid low, with a bad back - his front isn't very good, either :D
Stronmilchan 004_1280_914_1024_731.JPG
North face of Beinn 'Bhuiridh, from lower down the ridge. Impressive!
Stronmilchan 028_1024_768.JPG
Looking over to Meall Cuanaill. Ben More, Mull, in the distance.
Stronmilchan 063_1004_768.JPG
Summit Stob Diamh, towards Cruachan ridge.
Stronmilchan 067_1280_932_1024_746.JPG
Looking back to Stob Garbh, 947m spot and Beinn a'Bhuiridh, from SD.

This time conditions were almost perfect, as I set off along a track from a lay-by, just on the road round to Stronmilchan. I was familiar with where I wanted to go and made good progress up the ridge, before getting into the snow about the 700m mark, when I put on the crampons. Perhaps, they were not needed, but definitely helped speed up progress to the top of the ridge, as fantastic views opened up to greet me, as I reached the small cairn at the top.
By this time I had decided that I must at least top the day by also taking in Stob Daimh and thoughts also turned to just completing the horseshoe, by descending the ridge via Sron an Isean. After many photo's, I headed over Stob Garbh, noting some footprints on the way. At first I thought they looked old, but scanning the ridge, I spotted a hardy soul on Drochaid Ghlas, heading anticlockwise round the ridge. Rather him than me, I thought.
Stronmilchan 068_1280_807_1024_646.JPG
Ridge up/down beyond Stob Garbh.
Stronmilchan 071_1241_960_993_768.JPG
Drop down onto ridge to Sron an Isean. Didn't fancy it :) Beinn Eunaich, beyond.
Stronmilchan 079_932_768.JPG
SD summit.
Stronmilchan 080a_1024_644.JPG
Climber on Drochaid Ghlas. The Taynuilt Peak beyond.

Having made the summit of Stob Daimh, I had a look at the drop off, onto the ridge to Sron an Isean, which all of a sudden looked a much tougher option, than from a distance. Feeling uncertain as the snow gave way beneath my feet, I quickly decided to stick with Plan A and made for the Lairig Torran, stopping for a bite on the way. I knew it was a steep slope up and standing at the bottom, knew it would probably be my stiffest climb through snow yet, but might it be too icy?
Stronmilchan 082_1280_810_1024_648.JPG
Spot the climber?
Stronmilchan 087_1280_910_1024_728.JPG
Footsteps on SG.
Stronmilchan 096_1280_777_1024_622.JPG
Back to the 947m spot and hills to the south.
Stronmilchan 123_1280_960_1024_768.JPG
The steep way up Ba'B, form Lairig Torran.
Stronmilchan 138_1280_845_1024_676.JPG
Ben Cruachan and Stob Dearg.
The descent from the end of this ridge is surprisingly steep and I was in three minds, just which way to go. Out the Loch Awe side, keep heading east, or turn northwards, back onto the hydro track. As sometimes happens, the geography helped make up my decision, as I found myself drifting back round towards the disused quarries, to the north. Back to the car in just under six and a half hours, having evaded the impressive looking heilan' coo's strategically placed in my way by the gate. A great day and fine route to get a wee bit of winter, axe and crampon action :)
Having picked out a route, I made good progress with crampons and ice axe, until near the top, when having to divert round a rocky outcrop, where it was quite steep and a bit more icy. The pulse increased a bit, (a bit ? :shock: ) but taking my time, just got to the top, without any slip ups. Again, the views over the Cruachan range, Lui, Loch Awe and Orchy hills were superb, as I thanked the weather gods for staying onside.
Stronmilchan 166_1280_823_1024_658.JPG
Stob Diamh and Sron an Isean at the head of Coire Chreachainn. Ridge up in foreground.

I thought that was the hard work done, but all the effort was taking its toll, as I made my way east, across the top, then a steep slope and another plateau of thick snow, looking for the trig point on Monadh Driseig, which proved harder to spot than I thought.

The descent from the end of this ridge is surprisingly steep and I was in three minds, just which way to go. Out the Loch Awe side, keep heading east, or turn northwards, back onto the hydro track. As sometimes happens, the geography helped make up my decision, as I found myself drifting back round towards the disused quarries, to the north. Back to the car in just under six and a half hours, having evaded the impressive looking heilan' coo's strategically placed in my way by the gate. A great day and fine route to get a wee bit of winter, axe and crampon action :)
Stronmilchan 169_1024_684.JPG
Kilchurn Castle.
Stronmilchan 179_1024_710.JPG
Stronmilchan 194_1024_768.JPG
The Orchy Viaduct.
Stronmilchan 202_1024_663.JPG
Another look at Kilchurn. My mum says, it is pronounced "Kilwhoorin," but that doesn't sound too nice :)
Stronmilchan 218_1024_674.JPG
Toffee Coo's.
Attachments
Stronmilchan 204_1280_904_1024_723.JPG
Ba'B and Lairig Torran.
Stronmilchan 107_1280_913_1024_730.JPG
Dalmally.
Stronmilchan 117_1024_632.JPG
Through to Ben More.
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My previous fail, at 947m spot.
Stronmilchan 215_1280_847_1024_678.JPG
The Mighty Lui..
Stronmilchan 088_1280_919_1024_735.JPG
SW, over the reservoir to Loch Awe.
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JimboJim
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 713
Munros:282   Corbetts:55
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Location: Lochgilphead
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Re: Beinn a'Bhuiridh and Stob Diamh

Postby Alteknacker » Sat Mar 19, 2016 2:46 pm

I did this route on the last Friday in February, but unfortunately, for the last part, SD, SG and SaB, were wreathed in cloud. This was the last few metres of ascent of the North face of SaB.

Image20160226_143645

So it is great to see how it is in perfect conditions. Thanks very much for posting.

Poring over the map, there seem to be lots of options for great winter routes around here.....
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Alteknacker
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Re: Beinn a'Bhuiridh and Stob Diamh

Postby JimboJim » Sun Mar 20, 2016 1:13 am

Alteknacker wrote:I did this route on the last Friday in February, but unfortunately, for the last part, SD, SG and SaB, were wreathed in cloud. So it is great to see how it is in perfect conditions. Thanks very much for posting.

Poring over the map, there seem to be lots of options for great winter routes around here.....


Cheers Alteknacker. At least you made it, but doesn't look too braw, right enough. Yeh, am thinking will give few more routes here a try when conditions favourable for a bit of axe/crampon action. Not so far from my doorstep, you see :)

Jimmy
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JimboJim
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 713
Munros:282   Corbetts:55
Fionas:15   
Sub 2000:23   
Islands:22
Joined: Mar 9, 2012
Location: Lochgilphead
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Re: Beinn a'Bhuiridh and Stob Diamh

Postby litljortindan » Sun Mar 20, 2016 12:00 pm

Great pictures, especially 7, 8 and 9.
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litljortindan
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