Creach Bheinn is a rather sprawling summit, but its position above the western seaboard gives it superlative views out to the islands of Lismore and Mull as well as towards the Glencoe peaks.
A large bulldozed track leads up to the bealach. From here the going is mostly pathless on grassy ridges with some steep sections.
None to start.
Layby just north of Druimavuic.
There is limited parking in a layby on the minor road just east of Druimnavuic. The walk begins just a few metres to the west of here, where two tracks leave the road; the right hand one heads to the gardens, so take the larger bulldozed left-hand track through a gate. It soon climbs up through the trees. Pass through a second gate and continue on the track as it soon leaves the trees behind. Already there are good views back over Loch Creran, and across it to the oakwoods of Glasdrum Nature Reserve; ignore a faint track off to the right and keep on the main one which makes a wide zig-zag to the left and then back to the right to climb the hillside.
A small cairn marks the point where the route to Beinn Sgulaird goes off to the left; stay on the track. The bulldozed track keeps high on the north side of the glen, eventually descending slightly to join with another track coming up from a hydro project below. Continue following the track up through Coire Buidhe, passing north of Creag na Cathaig. Near the bealach, a grassy, soggier track forks off right; you an short-cut here by following this grassy branch to its terminus and then ascending by a burn to gain the ridge above.
The walk along the ridge above Creag na Cathaig is a delight, with short cropped turf and outstanding views over Loch Etive to Ben Cruachan - and to the mountains of Glencoe and Glen Etive behind.
There is a short descent and then an initially steep climb up the slopes of the main mountain behind. Soon the gradient eases and it is possible to bypass the cairn at point 804m on the south side.
The true summit is an undulating walk beyond, and is marked by a cylindrical trig point and wind shelter cairn. The views are simply magnificent in all directions; in addition to those over Cruachan and Etive, there are views now to Ben Nevis, but perhaps most eyes are drawn to the rich greens of the Appin coastline, backed by the Isles of Lismore and Mull.
It is possible - unless the rivers are in spate - to descend via Meall nan Caorach, continuing northwards from there down steep and pathless slopes to rejoin the outward route after fording the Allt Buidhe. But really it is more enjoyable to retrace your steps and return the same way you ascended.
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