Cruach Ardrain

Frank and I picked up Alex in Crianlarich where he had come to from Glasgow in the morning. We began the climb of Cruach Ardrain from the car park of the Forrestry Commission above the A 85. Using the forrest roads we reached the foot of the north-west ridge of the mountain, climbed up a clearing created by tree-harvesting and soon gained the top of the Grey Height. Continuing over the knobby ridge with several ups and downs we progressed to the foot of the final ascent to the summit ridge of Cruach Ardrain. Climbing steeply up the western side of the hill we reached the top and pondered the idea of including Beinn Tulaichean in the walk. But we decided against that idea and climbed the last few metres to Cruach Ardrain’s cairn. After a short break and after having taken in the views of Ben More and Stob Binnein we descended the very steep path to the col between Cruach Ardrain and Stob Garbh. The continuation over the mostly grassy north-east ridge was easy. Above the forrest we contoured around the western side of the ridge avoiding its steep and craggy final section. Through firebreaks we reached the forrest road below, crossed it and soon afterwards also crossed the Allt Coire Ardrain. From there we navigated through the forrest and reached the car park five minutes before the rain set in. Perfect timing. Good we did not bag Beinn Tulaichean. A beautiful ridge walk.