Ben Cruachan and Stob Daimh

Summary

Ben Cruachan is one of the finest Munros in the southern Highlands, with jagged peaks and fine rocky ridges as well as stunning views. The ridge walk to Stob Dàimh (misspelt Diamh on some OS maps) makes for a classic circuit around the Cruachan reservoir.

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Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Steep and rocky paths with a little very easy scrambling. The descent can be boggy in the final sections.

Deer Stalking information

North of ridge: Glen Noe Estate - no stalking issues.

Getting there

Start

Parking by the Falls of Cruachan railway station.

Public Transport

Train to Falls of Cruachan station (summer only), or bus service to Ben Cruachan power station visitor centre.

Start Grid Ref

NN080267

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 13.75km / 8.5 miles
Time: 8 - 9 hours
Ascent: 1376m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Ben Cruachan
Munro: Stob Daimh

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Walk Description

User reports (95)

Stage 1

The walk begins from a rough layby on the N side of the A85 by Falls of Cruachan railway station (small sign). If full, it is no longer possible to park at the Power Station Visitor Centre, but there is a proper layby about 700m further along the road towards Oban, on the right hand side. From the Railway Station sign walk up the path and then under the railway line via an underpass. Climb the concrete steps up the other side that lead to the left of an electric substation. Look out for a path heading off left through the trees. Continue on this path as it meanders through the oak, birch and hazel wood, climbing steeply in places. The Allt Cruachan can be heard flowing down the little gorge on the left. There are occasional views out over Loch Awe.

Stage 2

After the trees thin out, the path leads over a stile at a deer fence and then continues uphill, soon emerging at a surfaced track. Turn left and cross a bridge over the stream and continue up the track to reach the Cruachan dam, which is very imposing at close quarters.

Stage 3

Here turn left up the zig zag path and then climb the metal staircase onto the dam itself. Turn left to cross the rest of the dam and immediately take the path on the right to short cut to the track heading round the west side of the reservoir. Follow the track along the side of the reservoir until you reach the end. Before the end of the track a small cairn marks a path heading up to the left. However this path is the boggier of the two and it is better to continue over the stream and then climb immediately left on the second, clearer path.

Stage 4

The path climbs up the glen, becoming steep and eroded to reach the upper level of Coire Dearg. From here it levels briefly before another short and steep pull up an eroded stony path to the bealach, where there is a small lochan. From the bealach follow the eroded stony path to the right which climbs towards the summit of Cruachan. The path soon becomes lost as the arduous climb continues up stones and boulders.

Stage 5

The summit is marked by a cairn and the stump of a former trig point. At 1,126 metres this is the highest peak for miles around, and the views are fantastic, particularly down over Loch Etive, and out to the west to the prominent pointed summit of Taynuilt Peak (a 'Top' of Ben Cruachan) and the sea and islands beyond. But most attention, perhaps, will be looking along the grand rocky ridge stretching ahead.

Stage 6

Head along the fine ridge which is rocky in places; looking back the summit peak of Cruachan looks very impressive. After the first dip, the route crosses a series of easy rock slabs before climbing back to the crest via a gully (they can be bypassed to the right, but this loses some height). The ridge then continues, rocky in places, with good views in all directions.

Stage 7

A steeper climb leads almost to the summit of Drochaid Ghlas. The highest point lies just off the main ridgeline to the north but a short detour can be made to the top. Otherwise turn right just before the top of Drochaid Ghlas at a cairn to make a loose and steep descent on a clear path. From here on the ridge is a pleasant walk with a steep pull up to the summit of Stob Dàimh, with great views back to the peaked summit of Ben Cruachan. At the Stob Dàimh cairn - the second munro of the day - the clear horseshoe route from the Dalmally side can be seen.

Stage 8

Head south from here along a clear ridge, crossing a bealach before the slight climb to Stob Garbh. After this the route descends gradually towards the bealach at the Lairig Torran. The route now becomes pathless for a time; aim WSW, keeping to the right of a burn and heading down the grassy slopes.

Stage 9

Further down a clearer path is picked up. Follow this; eventually it crosses the burn and traverses boggy ground above the reservoir to meet a track at the end of a tunnel carrying water through the mountain. Follow the track uphill slightly and then down, passing the dam; keep left. Continue down to the point where the road forks; turn right here and follow the track briefly until the outward route heads off to the left. Rejoin this and retrace your steps back down the rugged path to and through the woods to return to the railway station and the start of the walk.

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