Cruach Ardrain and Beinn Tulaichean Traverse
21 Apr, 2013

On the morning of Sunday 21st April, 2013, a band of 11 stout fellows (including 3 ladies) left Aberdeen for Crianlarich and Cruach Ardrain. With ‘Emerson Fittipaldi’ again at the wheel and commanding officer, and Carol in charge of today’s Presidents Party a fantastic day’s mountaineering was enjoyed, in at times, very wintry conditions.

Here are some snap shot images of the day which saw us leave from Ben More Farm for a traverse of Cruach Ardrain and Beinn Tulaichean via Stob Garbh.

The “shoogile” bridge (Debs gets a helping hand)

Debs and Viktor on the way up Cruach Ardrain with Ben More behind them

Some welcome blue sky as we head up the hill

Looking across to Stob Garbh, the first target

On the ridge out to Stob Garbh

Cruach Ardrain

Beinn Tulaichean and Cruach Ardrain from the north

Looking back to Stob Garbh

As the steep face of Cruach Ardrain held large sodden snow patches and because of the rather high avalanche risk, forecast, and because the direct line up the face would have been impossible today for all the party we took a rising traverse by ramp and terrace well below the summit which got us onto the South Ridge of Cruach Ardrain which was then ascended.

In the snow going out to Beinn Tulaichean

We met Garry on Cruach Ardrain as he’d taken the bus around to Inverlochlairg.

The troups

Almost there, the final snow slope on Beinn Tulaichean

Snow turned to rain on the descent but it was nice to see the glen and Loch Doine & Loch Voil

Looking down to Loch Doine & Loch Voil

At Inverlochlairig farm we have a small shop selling venison but with no one at home so unfortunately, freezers remain empty.

Some splendid food, warmth and hospitality was had at the Kingshouse Hotel before the party was whisked up the road to Aberdeen to arrived “late on”.

This was a smashing day out.