Had singularly failed to get anywhere near a hill for some time due to other commitments. Good forecast for Sunday had me thinking about heading for some of the Crianlarich munros - now over 31 years since I’d been on Ben More and Stob Binnein and the webcam was giving a good view. Late Saturday, changed plans and decided to head for the two Grahams west of Ben Lui as I needed to be back sharp.

Quiet drive up the A82 to Tyndrum then west along the A85 to Corryghoil



Had seen some reports of others driving up the forestry track to just before the gate/track to Succoth Lodge so did the same as there didn’t appear to be anything against it. However, it wasn’t until I was on the way out later on that I realised I’d missed a small sign to the side of the track stating no unauthorised vehicles - would probably have brought a bike and parked on the A85 in that case. Parked just before a sign and gate to the west of Succoth Lodge.

Set off up the track, under the railway bridge then east and south gaining height on the way.

Ben Cruachan



Got to a crossroads where I turned right to look for a firebreak - this took me up to another track which I crossed, walked a little to the south then found the start of the track up the hillside. Some fallen trees and a deer fence to be negotiated on the way.



Beinn Bhuidhe



Only snow patches at this level - nice views from the summit of Beinn Bhalgairean







Mull hills in the distance



Glen Orchy hills



Meall nan Gabhar and Ben Lui



Started off back down eastwards to find a more direct route towards Meall nan Gabhar as it looked like there were some newer tracks. Negotiated the deer fences and crossed an area of felled trees to get on to a track then found a narrower track taking me down to the main track.



Headed SW up into the trees with the deer fence to the left before finding a gate just outside the forest. Through the gate and headed easterly then NE up towards Meall nan Gabhar.



Although the main snowline was higher up, there was still quite a decent coverage especially near the watercourse. Managed to walk most of the last 200m of ascent on snow - hard and crunchy, it made for easy walking compared the tufty grass to the side but never sufficiently steep to need any spikes.





Approaching the final section, from lower down the top to the right looked higher but not according to the map.



Summit of Meall nan Gabhar looking towards Ben Lui



Looking further round

















Had a break in the sun which was now quite warm with very little wind. Eventually set off back down the ascent route.



Straightforward walk back to the car (would’ve been even better on a bike !).