A mixed weather day on Cruach Ardrain and Beinn Tulaichean

Hill: Cruach Ardrain (Stack of the high part) (1046m) + Beinn Tulaichean (Hill of hillocks) (946m)

Type: Munro x2

A ramble with my fellow walkers from Ayr & District. The chosen route was from Inverlochlarig safely negotiating the twisting hidden views road from Balquidder without incident.

Beinn Tulaichean from the start

Parked at the usual spot, a busy place today as Linlithgow Ramblers were doing Stob Binnein from here.

Adrian left & Binnein right from the glen

We reversed the Walkhighlands route and walked up Inverlochlarig Glen following the estate track. About half way up the track the rain began and was to be with us all the way to the ridge. At times heavy with high winds, temperatures very much on the low side for August.

Beinn Tulaichean

On the ridge starting to ascend Ardrain you can see Tulaichean is clear

We cut off left and followed the at times obvious but boggy track, initially beside the burn, all the way to the ridge. Although straightforward to follow it was very damp and muddy in places leading to a debate about whether we would use this as our return or not. The massive flanks of Stob Binnein dominated the view across the glen with the stubby summit occasionally showing itself.

No such luck on our ascent as our tops were covered in thick grey unwelcoming cloud.

Ardrain totally different

The hard plod was over and at the ridge we decided to tackle the higher top of Ardrain first (100 metres higher). The weather was relenting slightly and was starting to give us glimpses of the upper reaches but it still looked a long way up. Gradually we eased up the good track via a succession of short steep ascents before the summit was reached. 

Crianlarich appears briefly

Very windy and cool if not cold. As the group regathered we started to get some views yippee. Crianlarich showed itself briefly but it was enough for me to orientate where I was. A few other walkers around coming from the Crianlarich ascent.

Lunch view

Ascending Tulaichean but Ardrain still in heavy cloud

Briefly looked around then off the top for some shelter and food. Next the descent back to the ridge and the clear track to Tulaichean. It did not look to far to the summit but still took a bit of hard graft and laboured breathing. Full views now although looking back Ardrain was in heavy cloud.

Tulaichean cairn with the rambler who wanted to be alone!!

Looking over to Vorlich, Stuc and Each all lined up on the skyline. Ben Ledi and the nearer Corbetts. On our right the huge bulks of Caisteal and Chroin.

Atmospheric

Ben More left and Stob Binnein centre

Another group discussion with the outcome being we elected to go straight over and down the normal ascent route. The descent view was dominated by the Corbett of Stob a’ Choin. Reputed to be the toughest Corbett and its slopes looked might fierce and challenging from our viewpoint.

View of the lochs and we can see the cars near the light green patch

A bit steep and boggy at times with a few inelegant slips but better than feared and no damage done. The usual bracken obstacle to be negotiated before the lower slopes led us to the track and back to the cars. Lovely views down Lochs Doine & Voil.

Ascent: 1010m

Distance: 14.7km

Time: 6.25

Wildlife: Large White; Meadow Pipit;