Get Lost Mountaineering

Stob na Cruaichefrom Rannoch Station

Start/Finish

Rannoch Station

Distance/Time

13 km      Approx 4 hours

Peaks

Stob na Cruaiche, 739 m, NN 363 571. OS sheet 41.

Introduction

This is a fairly easy walk to navigate as there is an ATV track all the way on this Graham. In fine weather, there are good views to the W (especially Buachaille Etive Mor), to the N (Grey Corries), to the E (Beinn Pharlagain) and to the S (Carn Gorm and the Lawers range plus Schiehallion) not to mention Blackwater Reservoir, Loch Laidon, Loch Rannoch and hundreds of lochans across Rannoch Moor. Do this on a clear day for the views!!

Route

(1) Park at Rannoch station (or get the train there). Cross the railway using the level crossing at the S end of the station and follow the obvious track heading roughly W to the edge of the forest past a large locked gate. Continue past a white cottage to where the track forks. Take the right fork which ascends gradually into the forest. Continue for about 2 km, passing through a dark section and a gate (often open) then descend slightly to where there are 2 large grassy areas (1 on each side of the track). Here there is a lesser track going off to the right up a wide fire break. Just beyond this point, a stream crosses the track beyond which there is a sleeper cum bench on another grassy area and a sign: “Footpath to Glencoe”.

(2) Ascend the steep track up the gradually widening fire break. The track can be quite muddy in places and has had some wicker fencing laid on it. In places there are alternative tracks. The track goes all the way to the summit of Stob na Cruaiche, 739 m, where there is a circular trig point.. There cannot be many better 360^o viewpoints in Scotland.

(3) Return by the route of descent and enjoy all the views you missed on the way up!

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 5^th November, 2009.

(b) If the track beyond the large locked gate is followed, this can be used to join the long E ridge of Stob na Cruaiche but the going is quite up and down and also boggy.