Ben Cruachan

Ben Cruachan is not a single peak but a magnificent mountain range of several peaks above the Pass of Brander between Loch Awe and Loch Etive. The main spine of the mountain runs from east to west, with several ridges branching off to north and south enclosing fine corries. The two southern ridges enclose a big grassy corrie in which lies the reservoir of the Ben Cruachan hydro-electric scheme.

The name Ben Cruachan refers to the highest peak, which is best climbed from the Cruachan Reservoir. To reach it either start from the power station in the Pass of Brander and climb steeply up the path beside the stream flowing from the reservoir, or go up the access road which starts just south-west of Lochawe village.

From the dam climb north-west up grassy slopes to reach the broad ridge of Meall Cuanail and climb it to the summit of that Top. Descend steeply for a short distance to the col leading to Ben Cruachan. (An alternative route goes to the head of the reservoir and then westwards on a steep path up Coire Dearg to the col). Climb to the summit of Ben Cruachan by the steep and rocky south ridge.

The great attraction of Ben Cruachan is to traverse three or four of its peaks in one day. To do this having reached the summit, go east along the main ridge over Drochaid Ghlas to reach Stob Diamh, turn south along the ridge to Stob Garbh and 1 kilometre beyond there descend westwards down easy grassy slopes to return to the Cruachan Reservoir.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)