Not as straightforward as it could have been.....Creag Garbh

Hill: Creag Garbh (Rough Cliff)

Type: Graham

Height: 637m

There are at least 3 main routes to this hill so decisions, decisions! Today I opted for the start near Killin. Like all rural Perthshire these days parking is very difficult. There is a large neglected piece of ground that was the parking area across from the Killin start which has now been fenced off, great for tourism. So find yourself a spot and hope you don't get nicked.

Again another straightforward hill as it follows the Rob Roy Way to the dam at Loch Breaclaich.

When I exited the trees there were great views over Lawers range but what attracted my attention was this sign. As it turned out I did meet a bloke with a rifle who asked if I had seen any deer, then how many people I had seen on the hill. Maybe he goes for people if no deer. Still it seemed more like a Dad's Army version than proper deer stalking.

Heard a stag roar on way up before I reached the dam where I chatted to a worker who said the water level was as low as he has ever seen it.

Garbh left, Odhar straight ahead

You can head up directly to Garbh from the dam but not for me today. To make a slightly bigger loop I walked further up the track and ascended Meall Odhar first. The SMC book comes from another starting point on the Loch Tay side but also starts its direct ascent from here. The map showed a mast which I expected to see as my turn off point, no sign of it which confused me. I spoke to a guy on the hill apparently it no longer exists!

Peak of Garbh from Odhar

A short boggy scramble with very deep pockets of water to keep one alert up to Meall Odhar which is only 5 metres lower. From the top of Odhar the trig of Creag Garbh looked much further away than expected, had this been a mistake or just an optical illusion?

The next section was less than straightforward when on your own. There was a section of boggy moorland to cross but before that I had to get down to it. The grassy crags were steep enough and wet enough to be dangerous. Some wandering about to get a decent line then a bit of bum sliding required.

From Odhar summit, dam, Ben More/Binnein then Lui behind

The boggy moor negotiated and then it was another short climb up the grassy slopes to the trig. Used some of the on/off tracks, animal or human, probably deer as lots of droppings. For a small hill there are outstanding views. 

The highlight being the Lawers hills, then a stunning view down Loch Tay over to the Glen Lyon Munros and even Schiehallion peaking out. Of course good views back to the dam and some Crianlarich hills.

Common Green Grasshopper

A more direct route back to the Rob Roy Way but still pretty wet going.

Distinctive peaks of Sciath Chuil

Zoom to Ben Lui

A pleasant stroll back to the car enjoying the views of the mountains around Killin and Crianlarich and even up to Tyndrum.  

Ascent: 614m

Distance: 14.4km

Time: 3.31

Wildlife: Coal Tit; Great Tit; Common Green Grasshopper; Jay (pair); 1 roaring stag unseen and distant.