Ben Cruachan, By Oban

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
14 kms	7 hours	1400 metres	Explorer 377: Loch Etive & Glen Orchy

Description

Ben Cruachan (Mountain of the Peaks) is aptly named and is the highest point in Argyll and Bute. This fine circular route takes in the two Munros of Ben Cruachan (1126 m) and Stob Daimh (998 m), linked by a high ridge, the latter Munro is the main peak of the Dalmally horseshoe. Ben Cruachan is one of the best-known mountains in Scotland and certainly one of the finest, with soaring ridges, dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views.

Park in a layby near the Pass of Brander and the Ben Cruachan (Hollow Mountain) Visitor Centre. The walk starts here; cross the railway line to follow a path beside the Falls of Cruachan to the dramatic Cruachan Reservoir in a huge corrie basin.

Follow the western shoreline and then the path up Coire Dearg to a saddle at 820 m to gain Cruachan's south ridge. The final climb to the cone-shaped peak is by granite blocks.

The route continues down the east ridge, with cliffs on the left. Further on, exercise extreme care on rocky steps on the main ridge. Continue over Drochard Ghlas, and on to Stob Daimh. From there go south over a top (980 m) and follow a shoulder to the reservoir. Follow the access road to rejoin the outward route.

This route can also be extended to take in the Corbett of Beinn a Bhuiridh.

Access Info

By car from the east and south: take the A85(T) through Crianlarich and Tyndrum, heading towards Oban. Pass through Dalmally and Lochawe Village. The start is just before the Cruachan Power Station and Visitor Centre, 5km after Lochawe Village.

Additional Info

Ben Cruachan is 'hollow' and has a power station at its heart. The 'world's first high head reversible pumped storage hydro scheme' provides peak-time power and is housed in a huge man-made cave built into the mountain. Water is pumped from nearby Loch Awe, 360 m up to Cruachan Reservoir and the station can generate 440 megawatts of electricity.

It can go from standby to full production in two minutes and can operate for up to 22 hours before the supply of water in the top reservoir is exhausted.