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;

Corbett double on a stunning day.....Meall an t-Seallaidh & Creag Mac Ranaich

 Hills: Meall an t-Seallaidh (Hill of the view) (852m) & Creag Mac Ranaich (Mac Ranaich's rock) (809m)

Type: Corbett x2

An early morning rise, no hardship on a morning like this with the prospect of two fine rugged hills to ascend. Fairly quiet roads so a stress free drive to the start at Lochearnhead. Despite all the mayhem around Loch Lomond area yesterday this was quite.

Old railway line

The circuit has a long walk in, starting by heading though the village then up a zig zag trail on a cycle path, then old railway line. It then reaches another old railway line before going along the old track and after ages finally getting on the hill track that we wanted.

Finally can see the Corbetts

Now we get to an open glen and get good views of both the Corbetts. Creag Mac Ranaich looks imposing with steep buttresses. But, still a long way to go up this climbing track. After crossing a burn the track steepens but also zig zags again, good chat helped the time go bye.

Looking up

Looking down

We decided to go for Ranaich first and after leaving the path it is a very steep ascent up the flanks, lots of holes, rocks, grass etc to catch you but getting my breathing was the priority. You can see from the snaps it was steep and we had to come back this way.

Easing off

Eventually it flattens out a little bit and I pass a descending youthful oriental girl with a bright green jacket and vivid yellow hair, even in my tired state not to be missed. She was disappointed to see us, she told me she was going to hills she thought were quiet. I replied that so were we, got a glare and down she scampered.

From here to the far top 1 metre, Ben Lawers range in the background

I have recently had a few false tops on walks but this was a case of two tops. The first summit cairn was reached at the 808m mark. But the eye could see, almost half a kilometre away, another small cairn, the true summit, all of 1m higher but of course it had to be bagged. Both have fabulous views on a day like this, glad the sun cream was on. 

Panorama

The main views are the full Lawers range plus all the Crianlarich hills this is spectacular.

Heading back Seallaidh from Ranaich

From this route we had to return all the way to the path before crossing over to the peat hags for the ascent of Seallaidh. We took a wider route than the suggested one which lengthened the ascent but reduced the gradient. Probably a wise choice. Views opening up.

Stob Binnein & Ben More appear

Before I started the walk I would have ranked myself as being walking fit but the upgrading of the hills and the terrain was taking its toll and the final ascent was slower going.

Pretty lochan

There is an option of a third hill but I bypassed it across some slightly boggy ground before turning and striking up to the trig of Meall an-t Seallaidh, 2^nd Corbett bagged.

Trig on Seallaidh looking north

More stunning views of Ben Volrich, Stuc a Chroin, Ben Ledi and turning around the still very snowy flanks of Stob Binnein and Ben More so impressive.

Ranaich from Seallaidh

Descent track winding its way towards the trees

The track looked a long way below and Lochearnhead a good deal further. But the initial descent was not too bad, rough as expected until the track reached above the zigzags.

After that was the long walk back to the cars in almost summer heat. For once the descent felt longer than the ascent but the scenery and chat helped it go by.

My biggest day out of the new walking season, both in time and ascent and it did not disappoint. A really enjoyable day with a good small group, its great to be back but can this weather last?

Ascent: 1003m

Distance: 22.6km

Time: 7.13

Wildlife: Raven; Meadow Pipit; Pheasant: Skylark; Orange Tip butterfly;