Over The Hill

Under the sheep-creep below the West Highland Railway and over the footbridge across the River Falloch we made our way along the stony track heading into Coire Earb before branching off left to cross the very old and rickety bridge which spans the upper reaches of the River Falloch and gives access to the hillside below Grey Height. It's a bit of a slog reaching this 686m minor top, initially over wet ground amongst the deep grassy tussocks and later on steep rocky slopes.

But,the ground underfoot improves once you gain the ridge and trek along the stony path that twists, turns, and occasionally dips as it makes its way towards Meall Dhamh, at 814m, an ideal spot for a short break and to gaze across Coire Ardrain and beyond Stob Garbh to the mighty Ben More which stands head-above all around. It was at this point that we encountered a bank of drifting mist, which quickly encompassed all around, and brought us a rather weak, but nevertheless, Brocken Spectre. With some jumping around, we could just make out our ghostly shadow within the ring, a little too weak to show up in the photo I managed to get, before the Spectre and mist disappeared almost as quickly as it had appeared.

There is a slight sting-in-the-tail as you leave the 814m top and have to make a couple of short, steep descents and re-ascents as you cross over two rather large knolls before you reach the 800m height, marking the start of the final climb up the northwest ridge of Cruach Ardrain. Here, we left the standard route, and opted for a direct ascent up some rather steep slopes, which certainly had the lungs and legs complaining before we stopped for breath at the false summit; at which point, all pain was forgotten as the views were just stunning, making all that extra climb well worth the effort. A few short steps down and over a slight dip, and we were soon on the true summit, at 1046m, a wonderful viewpoint upon which to linger for a while and just enjoy the glory of the day.

The northeast ridge of Cruach Ardrain offers a very tempting return route, taking in the Munro Top of Stob Garbh. However, that is one for the longer summer days - today, we made a direct return from the summit, taking the standards, and well worn track which contours the hillside back to the main ridge and the 814m, top of Meall Dhamh. From here, we descended the ridge in harmony with the setting sun, arriving back at our cars just as the sun finally set, and the moon was making its presence known over Coire Earb.

A thoroughly enjoyable day, on a wonderful mountain - Thanks to all for your company - Great Day