Stuc a' Chroin from Edinample via The Prow....An adrenalin filled scramble

Hill: Stuc a' Chroin (Peak of the sheepfold)

Type: Munro

Height: 975m

The Munro of Stuc a' Chroin has at least 4 main routes that can be used so today our ramble was via a lesser used route from Edinample.

It begins with a straightforward walk along the estate track beside a raging river. The forecast was mixed but at least dry to start. The estate has blocked off various sections of this track but detours made to reach the initial climb which makes use of their hydro track to climb 500m in good time, that got the breathing going.

On descent the burn on right had to be crossed

First sight of the Prow in the cloud

From here a good look down at the burn which was running fast and furious, we had to get over this on our descent, hmmm. We hear a couple of roaring stags so the rut not over yet.

The vertical section is where we are going to scramble. yikes

Still hiding in the cloud but nearly there

The beginning of the scramble the top is a long way behind the top you can see

Next a moorland tramp to reach the connecting trail from Ben Our or the Vorlich bypass. The contouring trail was very boggy but most of our focus was on the view ahead, the flanks of the Prow of Stuc a' Chroin. Drifting in and out of cloud it looked steep and menacing. There is a bypass track but we were scrambling today.

Storer makes a few interesting comments about this approach:

1. "Adrenalin junkies will find exhalating scrambling of all grades on the crest of the Prow". (Even more unnerving today with wet rock and steep wet grassy patches)
2. There is also a path you have to negotiate at times. He says "be advised, however, that the upper section of the path is now so worn, gritty, steep and exposed that it may fill you with feelings other than exhilaration". ( Absolutely accurate, a few don't look down moments lol. Full concentration required. At one point I had to rely on gripping loose moss it to haul myself up, If it gave way I was heading down fast, a moment to remember ).

Starting the scramble camera was packed away after this until the top reached

That was a nervy ascent and not one that would be to everyone's appeal and definitely not for inexperienced scramblers or trouble with exposure. 

Small summit cairn on real top as Ben Vorlich begins to show itself

Now getting good views

Our approach track can be seen contouring Ben Vorlich

It was with relief to reach the top and then the half a kilometre walk to the true summit. As we had lunch the cloud broke and we got some excellent views, particularly of Ben Each and the moor approach from Callander, and definitely the coldest day of the year so far. All spare layers on up top.

Red deer spotted if you zoom in you might spot them on the plateau

Creag Dubh

Part of our ascent ridge and Ben Vorlich behind, showers off for 10 minutes

A more 'gentle' (and far safer) descent over rough ground along the grassy ridge to Creag Dubh where we spooked a stag with 8 hinds, off they ran. Another herd spotted down by the burn.

At the burn we managed to cross just below the hydro dam but higher water would make it very difficult or a detour required. 

Beside the track this was spotted, one deer less but strange to see butchered remains left beside a water course.

On the track out we were held up for 15 minutes in the rain as the estate were massacring pheasants on the track, what a sport!!

A good walk on a different route for me.

Ascent: 918m

Distance: 14.9km

Time: 5.56

Wildlife: Red deer; Pheasant; Raven; Dipper;