Over The Hill

The large layby on the A82 just south of Crianlarich is a popular starting point for An Caisteal and Cruach Ardrain, and is usually a busy place; but not today, only a few cars there as we pulled in, seems most people were taking note of the weather forecast - heavy rain and strong winds, but at least the earlier threat of thunder had lessened.

To be fair, the conditions were not too bad as we headed of along the track into Coire Earb to cross the very dilapidated old bridge spanning the River Falloch and head off up the hillside, through deep grass and reeds, towards the ridgeline and the rocky top of Grey Height. Low cloud and mist lay ahead of us as the skies darkened, the wind increased and the rain finally arrived.

By the time we had reached the 814m minor top of Meall Dhamh we knew winter was on its way, as we resorted to additional layers and gloves to ward off a bitter wind and icy cold rain. Loosing hard gained height, we dropped down to the bealach between Meall Dhamh and Cruach Ardrain before ascending the curving hillside on the narrow and very rocky track which joins main ridge south of the summit of Cruach Ardrain.

It was here, as we approached the ridge that the wind was at its most ferocious, bordering on stopping us making further progress, and it was here that we met a scattered group of 6 or 7 others, the owners of those few cars in the layby, who were struggling off the summit, having reached Cruach Ardrain, but abandoning their intended continuation along the ridge to Beinn Tulaichean. Looking at them, windblown, struggling to stand, soaking wet, I suddenly thought, goodness that's how we must look also!

We moved on, and shortly gained the ridge, and passed on the message to the final 2 stragglers from this group that they should continue the descent, their companions having abandoned the idea of going onto Beinn Tulaichean. Oddly enough, as we completed the final few hundred metres along the ridge, over the false top and onto the summit proper, the wind actually dropped in strength, giving us a short respite, and just enough time for me to grab a quick summit photo of Idris and Lawrie, as all we did was literally turn right around and head back down, off the ridge and back into the wind, which once again was blowing strongly as we retraced our steps back to the bealach below Meall Dhamh.

This was not a day for hanging around on the hills, but needs must, and we finally made a stop for a quick bite and a drink before making a fairly hasty descent along the ridge, back the way we had come, over Meall Dhamh, Grey Height and across the River Falloch to the cars, and once changed and dry, a very welcome hot coffee in the warmth and dry of Beinn Ghlas campsite cafe.

A hard, but exhilarating day on the hills - Thanks everyone.