Ben Cruachan

Ben Cruachan, at 1,126 metres, is the highest point in Argyll and one of the finest mountains in the southern Highlands, its jagged ridge forming a dramatic horseshoe above the Cruachan hydroelectric reservoir near Loch Awe.

The route starts from a rough layby by the Falls of Cruachan railway station on the A85, walking up a path and under the railway line via an underpass before climbing through woods to a surfaced track. This leads to the imposing Cruachan Dam, crossed via a zig-zag path and metal staircase, before a track continues along the west side of the reservoir. Beyond the reservoir's end, a path climbs a steepening, increasingly eroded glen into the upper level of Coire Dearg, then a steep, rocky ascent — with a little easy scrambling and boulder-hopping near the top — leads to the summit cairn and trig point.

Most walkers continue the classic ridge traverse east to the second Munro, Stob Dàimh, crossing a series of easy rock slabs and a notorious obstacle just east of the summit known as Ben Cruachan's "bad step" — a rocky nose generally easier to climb up than down, making an anti-clockwise circuit preferable; a bypass path exists to the right for those wishing to avoid it, though it is loose underfoot. Beyond this the ridge continues over the Munro Top of Drochaid Ghlas to Stob Dàimh's summit, before a descent completes the horseshoe back to the reservoir.

The direct route to Ben Cruachan alone and back is around 5 hours; the full horseshoe taking in Stob Dàimh is a longer day of seven to nine hours, covering around 17-18 kilometres with substantial ascent.

This is a serious mountain with pathless sections, boulder fields, and genuine scrambling that can catch out less experienced walkers, particularly in poor visibility — the "bad step" and the eroded upper approach both demand care and a good head for heights.

Roadside parking near the Falls of Cruachan is free but limited to around 10 vehicles; a seasonal train service stops at Falls of Cruachan halt, and buses serve the nearby Cruachan Power Station visitor centre.