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One of the
Munros clustered near the village of Crianlarich, Cruach Ardrain ("stack
of the high part") is connected to Beinn Tulaichean, another Munro which
is virtually an outlier on its south ridge.
Start from
a car park in Glen Falloch (369 239). Go southeast up a track on the southwest
bank of the River Falloch and after about 1 km go down to the river and
cross it via a bridge. Continue east up grassy slopes to gain the northwest
ridge at the upper edge of the trees.
The ridge
leads to Grey Height (685m) then Meall Dhamh at 806m. Further on, the
path drops slightly to cross a col then continues steeply up the shoulder
of Cruach Ardrain. A flat top is reached, with cairns about 25m apart.
Go northeast, crossing a slight dip, to gain the true summit at a single
cairn.
Most walkers
would wish to continue the traverse of Cruach Ardrain, taking in Stob
Garbh. From the summit of Cruach Ardrain descend steeply northeast down
a rocky slope. A wide col is reached, with the ridge to Stob Garbh ahead.
In mist some navigation should be taken, as the ridge is ill defined.
From Stob Garbh (959m), continue north down the grassy ridge for about
500m then drop down northwest to enter Coire Ardrain.
Cross the
burn in the coire and pick up a track at 396 233. This leads down through
the trees to reach the A85 at the east end of Crianlarich.
If you wish
to do both Munros, Beinn Tulaichean ("hill of hillocks") is most conveniently
done from the south, starting at Inverlochlarig by the River Larig. Fit
walkers will have no problem doing both from Crianlarich but this does
mean retracing your steps a certain distance.
Reach Inverlochlarig
by the public road from Balquhidder along Loch Voil. From Inverlochlarig
(having left your car at the car park 750m east) climb the southeast slope
above the farm. Crags may be filtered through directly, or avoided on
the west with the south ridge just above.
Continue
along the ridge to gain the summit of Beinn Tulaichean. The route continues
north to Cruach Ardrain, with a minimal drop along a broad grassy ridge,
which takes one to a point west of the actual summit. At a small cairn
turn right. After about 70m the twin cairns will be seen, beyond which
is the single, large cairn marking the summit of Cruach Ardrain.
To return
to Inverlochlarig, return along the south ridge of Cruach Ardrain to the
col, drop down east on grassy slopes and pick up a track leading south
to the farm.
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