Day off on Friday and a brilliant forecast, Had planned to hit the Spean Bridge area as a lot of red pins in the middle of the map. Got a message from Jen saying she was heading SW to work on the last few hills of her second round and did I fancy Ben Cruachan on the Saturday. Forecast was great so couldn't refuse.

Early Saturday the drive is through the fog. Made it to the penultimate legitimate space in the layby at 8.05. The car behind went straight into the last space. phew.

Jen was waiting and we soon set off. The initial path up to the dam is steep but fine and height is gained very quickly for what didn't feel like much effort. The dam looked pretty impressive (enter Bond analogy).

We climbed the steps up the side of the dam (more easy height) and walked along the flat path by the resevoir. The resevoir and corrie were cool.

We then hit the climb proper and delayered due to steepness and unseasonable warmth. From here most of the day was spent in a base layer.

Eventually making it to the bealach we ditched the bags and took the short climb up to Meall Cunail. From here we could see the walk ahead, down Loch Awe and over to the islands.

We decended back to the bealach and fuelled up before the steep rock climb to the summit of Cruachan with its views over to Tyndrum, Bridge of Orchy and Arrocher.

The summit had quite a few people on it and we could see more coming so we took photos and scooted over to the top Stob Dearg, which involved a little bit of scrambling and had great views to the Ben down Loch Etive.

When we got back tot the summit it was busy so we headed on along the ridge.

There were less people now and after a little bit of hands on and some more views we reached the top Drochaid Glass which we had to ourselves. Here we stopped to soak in the views and peace.


We decided it was too late to go for the corbett so carried on along the fine ridge to Stob Diamh and the final top of the day at Stob Garbh.

From here it was a boggy pathless descent down to the reservoir where we picked up the landrover path ahd then the steep path down through the trees back to the cars as the light faded about 4.30.

A nice ridge with a good mix of terrain and fantastic views.