The low clouds and high winds didn't spoil our ramble.....Creach Bheinn Appin

Hill: Creach Bheinn Loch Creran (Hill of Spoil/Plunder)

Type: Corbett

Height: 810m

I visited Oban on a trip with Ayr & District which led to this ramble taking place as a Plan B. The original plan had been to ascend the nearby Munro of Beinn Sgulaird but weather forecasts implied much wilder conditions later in the day so this slightly shorter/easier walk was chosen instead. Easier, maybe yes but also maybe no, read on.

Both walks start from the same location. There is only a small parking area which was full so most of our cars had to park about 10 minutes walk away on either side.

An ugly estate track has been bulldozed which despite our moans about the visual scarring of the hill we used it and it took us from sea level up to almost 600m through Corrie Buidhe. The track was in reasonable condition and had enough bends to make the gradient not too difficult.

About two thirds of the way the track our views up to the higher tops were now becoming engulfed by the lowering clouds, earlier than expected and a bit disappointing. 

Many layers of rock, would be really interesting to know what it all represented

However there were some fascinating lumps of rock dotted about, sadly no geologists amongst us to explain what we were looking at.

When we reached the high point of the estate track we took a sharp right onto the rough ground which changed the dynamic of the ramble.

The clouds beginning to lower behind Creag na Cathaig

I had read that there was a very faint grassy track and by luck or design I found it which made these early stages easier walking across to Creag na Cathaig easier but the views down Loch Etive soon disappeared.

About to become a grey world

Before long we were in the clouds which sadly was to continue all the way to the summit, which made this section a long haul.

The track made a twisting ascent, definitely not a direct steer, but considering the terrain it was longer but fine. Regularly high lumps loomed out of the gloom, most to be bypassed, some to be tackled head on.

Our big situation was after we had ascended the minor top of Creag na Cathaig when we had a gloomy view of what was to come. We had to descend and ahead of us was a steep section of crags and wet grassy rakes. No obvious route. It was probably about 50m of ascent but it looked much more and quite challenging in these gloomy conditions.

The team doing the gully scramble. Apologies for the shaky picture.

Most of us went up the direct gully alongside the burn. Steep, wet grass, slippy rocks but we got up it and most with hindsight probably enjoyed the bit of adventure.

Another wet not so steep grassy gully took us another 100m up and thankfully we had broken the back of of the climbing when we reached the false cairn. I was aware of slight mutterings behind.

It was definitely much more technical and complicated route finding under these conditions. It is one thing to have the confidence of the GPS but when you have15 people in a line behind pressure ramps up knowing a few of them will be looking at their GPS/phone apps etc.

From the false cairn there was roughly 750m as the crow flies to the true high point (all for 6 metres of height!!).

But it was undulating terrain so you could add another 100m plus ascent to that 6m. There were no really steep sections but it was continually up and down. The wind was breezy and cold but not as strong as forecast.

As the leader I knew how far we had to go but even I was demotivated by seeing lump after lump appear out of the gloom knowing this was not the top we wanted. Naturally the group behind were having their doubts but they kept it together.

Finally the summit

Finally the point we longed for was reached and another lump appeared but the cylindrical trig could be seen, wow what relief.

There was time for a few snaps but there was nothing to see, the winds were getting stronger and everyone was feeling the cold. I knew we all needed nutrition but the group were good to go back a bit to find some shelter.

The walk back to the false cairn seemed so much much quicker and I chose to shelter for our food break beside a large section of boulders which provided a good windbreak.

Enjoyed the lunch view, the wee and big Bookle's directly ahead

By absolute good fortune, as we sat down and got food out, the clouds lifted and we now had the outstanding views that we had hoped for. Soak it in.

Expanded view with the lump of Creag na Cathaig forefront, the descent track behind and Beinn Sgulaird on the left

It also meant that there was a clear view of our descent route but nothing seemed overly familiar due to the earlier poor visibility on the ascent. Still it was a much easier descent and for me much less stressful.

Typical terrain

In saying that I was a relieved leader when we got safely down the steep crags and made the final ascent of the day back up Creag na Cathaig. 

Ben Starav in the distance

Loch Etive with Ben Cruachan still under cloud

On the top ridge we had superb views up to Glencoe, Etive etc and morale was much higher all round. All the sights we could not see on the ascent due to the low clouds.

The faint track was regularly lost and found but no worries as we could see where we were heading but even so I was happy to reach the estate track.

Creran Bridge visible in the middle of the loch

After that it was downhill all the way, slightly spoiled by the heavy rain arriving with only about 15mins left to walk to the cars.

It was definitely a walk of two halves, a tougher outer section than I had anticipated under the poor weather conditions but overall a good group ramble.

Ascent: 984m

Distance: 17.1km

Time: 6.34

Wildlife: Raven; Common Frog