Intimidated By The Near Vertical Path on Cruach Ardrain !?

Cruach Ardrain - I was keen to do something a little different and have had this lesser known horseshoe on the to do list for some time. However there were a couple of things that were on my mind , one was getting through the commercial forest (where I had come to harm 20 years previously) and the other was the ridiculously steep final ascent path!
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NB -The content within is strictly only reports from my trips out detailing the days we have had. They are not intended as guides or routes to be used by others - rather memories of my trips. Not all videos are shot recently and some are form months or even year ago. Take care and be responsible for your activities. Be safe and prepared and have a great time in the Great Outdoors :)
00:00 Introduction
04:47 THROUGH THE COMMERCIAL PLANTATIONS
05:27 On to the ridge and open hillside
09:51 final drop
10:39 the steep intimidating ascent
13:21 summit

[@MoonsAlign]

Murray, pal. We can make it out. We’re always able to make it out 😂

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Haha - always manage somehow 😂😂👍

[@alisonlyons4691]

Great hike Murray, a bit of a pull up there. Thanks for sharing the walk, and you stay safe too ........Alioban

[@McConnachy]

I climbed Ben More and Stob Binnien back in the 90s, remember having jelly legs at the end of it. Thanks for the video

[@jackomile1838]

Beautiful. Thank you ❤❤❤

[@JamieBulloch1]

brings back lots of memories of all those peaks, much younger and fitter, hope i dream of cairn tops tonight..? i remember the low terrain being far more wooded in the late 70s...

[@DAoutdoors]

Hi Murray, another absolute cracker. That looked one hell of a steep pull up there. Similar to Red Screes in the Lake District. Thanks for sharing as always mate. Cheers Dave. 😀🥾⛰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@lilithcastle1743]

Wonderful break from my life! Thank you ❤️🙌

[@erinmcgrathejm4985]

I like when you do these horseshoe routes. Nice to see the different aspects of the mountains as you come around by a different way. Thanks for taking us along. ATB!

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Thanks Erin - think it is always nice revisiting a mountain but taking a different approach up - let’s you get to know it a little better :) 👍

[@oswaldalexander253]

A good walk, Stunning scenery, Cheers.

[@juliebarker-4245]

Another brilliant video Murray. Stunning scenery as always and not an easy hike to get to the summit so well done for making it.

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Thanks Julie- I was glad to reach the top for sure , many ups and downs on that route :) Take care and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@kisilvan]

Where was the scotch egg?!! 😂😂I always find out and back tougher for some reason. Horseshoe is definitely the way to go. What a climb though. Great walk. 😊

[@chrisplatten2293]

At least I now know how to pronounce Stuc a'Chroin. I did that yesterday after Ben Vorlich and it has a bit of a nose to climb. I mis-remembered Butterfield's notes and took the left not the right bypass track over delightful leg-breaker boulders to a mossy gully. Chased back down afterwards by repeated showers. All in all a great day out. Glad you enjoyed yours too.

[@bbw44]

Honestly your videos are soooo good!...luv watching them.

[@mariomiguel010]

All place to yourself, that's really lovely! Thank you for the video. It's great to hike along with you!

[@Broonzied]

Terrific photography Murray. This one really does bring back a memory or two. Did this route anti-clockwise with a friend around 20 years ago in icy/wintry conditions on the higher slopes. The descent of Cruach Ardrain was indeed steep and made for a tentative drop with ice axe and crampons essential. The other abiding memory was the quagmire once onto lower ground entering the forest. It was so bad we swore never to use that route again, and we never have!

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Absolutely - think I went at the right time (after a sustained dry spell) however there were still boggy parts in the forest - even after weeks of no rain 😵‍💫

[@bbw44]

Wow you like the big mountains! marvellous video..😁

[@paulcharlesworth9114]

Thanks for another great video Murray.

[@paulbirrell5057]

Another great video Cruach Ardrain was one of my earliest Munros back in 1975!! In my log it says I saw a temperature Inversion. The year before, not long after I got the Munro bug, I had attempted Stob Garbh in terrible conditions. I think I thought it was a Munro there were 3 of us and fortunately we came to no harm. Nice to see Cruach Ardrain close up after nearly 50 years eek!!

[@josephbeck9744]

Did this horseshoe myself a few months ago, in reverse though so went through the boggy forest first... never felt more grateful for gaiters in my life! Was in up to my thighs at times! Great video :)

[@ScotlandsMountains]

A tad boggy in the forest for sure - nice to get onto the open hillside!

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

Nice walk that last climb looked very scary atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍

[@andrewkingdom]

Brilliant I have been wanting to do that horseshoe route for a while so thanks forest looks a pain but cracking views

[@MountainDude]

Griaß di Great Tour again from you 🤙 Many greetings

[@joanhuggett5164]

Just about needed your climbing gear for that one, Murray. Gorgeous pastel sky colours from the top. Always enjoy beautiful, beautiful Scotland through your eyes.

[@GaryGough]

Cracking location. Definitely a route well beyond my pay grade 😂 I’m bewildered by how you remember all the mountain names. Always an enjoyable watch. Take care xx

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Thanks Gary - I dont always remember them but give it a good bash :) M

[@timrosenburgh8597]

Another great video Murray. Beautiful scenery as usual. Definitely a very steep climb to get to the top. I don't think i could manage that one. Atb mate.

[@karenproctor9642]

Love the video great views. Always try to do a horseshoe so much more interesting. ❤

[@annemay8379]

Watched this yesterday evening on the “big” screen . Enjoyed it so much that I’m watching again over my morning cuppa. Loved the sense of peace but Didn’t envy you the trek through the forest ! Thanks for sight of buttercups and bog cotton. Wild flowers have always been one of my passions. Another brilliant video , thank you, Murray. A.T.B. ❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⛰️

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Hope the second viewing was as good as the first Anne :) it was a fine if tiring outing 👍

[@lynnthomason6589]

Great video. WOW those views are incredible. 😎As usual you do not disappoint! Thanks for sharing. Lynn in Naples FL

[@mountain_del1863]

Murray! Your filming and knowledge of the Scottish mountains is as peerless as it is wonderous.......brilliant! Climbed them all btw, several times.......but not the way you did.......summer alpinism in Scotland ????? Hope Alpinist Gerry is good too. Scottish superheros both of you

[@rayharris245]

Hello Murray we were really pleased to meet you in the supermarket the other day in perth hope you enjoyed Skye Ray & Jayne

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Hi Folks - lovely to have met you too - hope Poolewe was fun - we had a fabulous Thursday on Bla Bheinn in Skye (video en route in a few weeks :)) Take care and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@karenstewart9833]

another fabulous video a wee hill that always stands out and one I always wanted to do looks awesome . I hate forestry stuff too remember a horrendous flash flood lightning storm coming off Ben Laoigh terrifying felt like Indianna Jones trying to cross what was once a small river which turned into a torrential waterfall then the bogs in the forest came out like the creature from the black lagoon

[@ScotlandsMountains]

sounds horrific Karen!! nothing worse than heavy rain swelling the burns and rivers!! hope you got home safely!

[@karenstewart9833]

@@ScotlandsMountains yes eventually had to take alternative routes to get back down was so scared of the thunder and lightning . We found out that a man was killed on Ben Oss the same day he had been hit by the lightning that felt horrible and so sad 😪

[@BoredManOutdoors]

Excellent stuff.. Looked tough though.. 👍

[@ScotlandsMountains]

thanks Jim - I was panting and toiling towards the top TBH!! a steep wee climb :) Take care and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@jbairdexp]

Another cracking adventure Murray. I've been busy so just catching up on my Watch Later list! It must have been steep, because if it looks steep on camera it really is very steep! And you had the place to yourself.....utter magic.

[@alasdairmacdonald6730]

In the dim and distant past I did descend that steep bit off the summit. I must have blanked it out because I don't remember it being that steep! It's a great hill, steep enough by the usual route.... Thanks for the great video once again.

[@SetForAdventures]

Amazing Murray a tuff but very rewarding hike this (oh boi that steep section was a climb and half 🙌🙌) ATB Simon 🤠👍⛰️

[@rtk3543]

Beautiful landscape, your videos are always a treat. Cheers Murray.

[@yvonnefarrell1029]

Wow, you said "That might not look so steep" and we know how you mean, it was not craggy and what am I trying to think of - stony? Still, it looked like more of a climbing than a hillwalking adventure. Good for you for exorcizing those memories from two decades ago! Marvelous trip and we thank you as always.

[@Andrew-dp3jm]

Done the 7 a couple of weeks ago and went up this very fun😊

[@John71]

Thank you Murray, stunning views, I think if I ever go up, I will do the easier path 🤣 I agree about the forests, they can be a nightmare to get through...

[@markhill8218]

Great video Murray, It really is a steep hill, was last on that summit a few winters back, came up Y Gully, brilliant wee route.

[@ScotlandsMountains]

one of my first ever youtube videos was Y gully - a lovely climb :)

[@Kev_Russ]

Nice one Murray. Steep mcsteep face indeed. 😁 If I ever do a second round of Munros or take Munro Top bagging seriously, I'll head up that way. 😉👍

[@lyndseywilson9462]

Another great journey, Murray. Sound tired though, rough ground and route finding, but always very rewarding and the whole way without meeting a soul, worth it/ Awesome views

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Tbh - I was a little knackered after this as had a tiring day on the Saturday with my son on the hills too (.video still to be made ! ) Thanks for watching ATB Mo

[@suebrown3465]

A nice relaxing video I feel tired just watching you go up and it was pretty steep too I always have to give you credit for doing these hikes after working all week Take care and rest up until the next hike 🇨🇦❤️

[@ScotlandsMountains]

thanks Sue , it was nice to get out and about TBH :) Take care and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@bethlowell7336]

Thanks Murray for yet another wonderful walk through Scotland. Cheers.

[@richdavies7932]

First time doing Cruach Adrain 14/6/1987 on the same approach as you it started to hail stone and sleet fell from Stob Garbh to munro. The summer world of grass and grey rock, became white and black rock, a surprising change so quick. We had to put on more clothing and stayed higher on our return making a gradual descent to the glen on grassy slopes.

[@Q8Patriot]

Inspired as always, thanks alot for all the efforts you are doing for making and sharing these videos

[@andrewlangridge8619]

After a break its nice to catch up with another cracking video! Thoroughly enjoyed it and the way you've caught the "airiness" and exposure, an interesting route! Well done on the fitness front too!

[@grahamhaines9931]

Cruach Ardrain is a very prominent hill when you drive towards Crianlarich on the A82 from the north, it has a distinct shape that is instantly recognisable. Thanks for sharing

[@1983armourer]

It’s astounding how well made your videos are. Perfectly framed shots.

[@ScotlandsMountains]

🙏

[@heathercampbell6906]

looks gd were just bk last night nc500 but it looks great 2 see yr videos 👍👍

[@harrylinsdell8114]

Great effort again and good advice as usual for anyone attempting the climb

[@ScotlandsMountains]

thanks Harry - a good outing and increased the hill fitness a bit too :) Take care and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@o.bsoutdoors3871]

Brave stuff heading back to the 'scene of the crime' where you picked up knee injury. This looked like an extremely challenging route. You maintained your PMA throughout as always. Some stunning views. Thanks so much for taking us along Murray😊👍

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Thanks Folks, it was a tough but rewarding horse shoe route this one, always better outside than in :) Thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@patriciahodd9131]

Hi Murray, that was a lovely walk. I would agree with you that it's worth taking a longer route to avoid a busy path. It wouldn't be so bad if groups of people didn't talk loudly and endlessly, it destroys the tranquility and they might as well meet at home if they just want to chat. Mind you, I am not the most social of people, didn't feel more st home in a group of trees than people, so maybe I shouldn't comment. But that was a beautiful place , so many mountains 😊

[@eddieharwood7788]

I was unbelievably lucky to survive an ascent of this as a teenager in early January in a howling gale and minus plenty degrees before adding wind chill. I was with a boy a year younger than me. Neither of us had crampons and I had the only ice axe. We ascended a similar route but the wind after Stob Garbh was merciless, so having talked to 2 lads in the pub who had escaped the wind by going round to the sheltered east side and gone straight up I opted to follow their still visible but now deeply frozen tracks. This face is far steeper than the direct ascent you did and it must be at least 800 feet climb. I hacked steps for our vibram soles up several glazed very steep sectins and knew that there was no possibilty of descending then. As we got higher the glazed sections became steeper and thinner until i was cutting steps of about 2 mm over near vertical rock. Althopugh I knew we still had a long way to go I kept telling my mate that we must be getting near (visibility was very low by now. I kept expecting to see him peel off and disappear into the void, but somehow we both made it. After a night in the tent he hitched a lift home. A year later he showed me his still discoulered toes from frostbite. Memory says that at least there was no forest at that time 1960's - at least if there were I don't think it was continuous.

[@DreadEnder]

You should do a most beautiful or cinematic shots compilation

[@maude5160]

Great adventure, forestry areas can be tricky even on flat grounds, many traps where stumps have rotted out and old roots in overgrowth to trip you, but I tended to stay on the forestry roads if possible as on horseback you have to look after horses legs. You must have just about scaled / climbed all high points in Scotland? Wonder how many kilometres you have clocked up. Thanks for the trip 👍

[@ScotlandsMountains]

too many (kms!!) lol it would be interesting t know the total over the years :) Take care and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@natalieminnis]

I love these hills and have wondered what the approach from that side might be like. I hope your wife enjoyed the Isle of May. I visited it for the first time earlier this month, a fabulous experience!

[@ScotlandsMountains]

she had a great time Natalie - saw lots of Puffins and sea birds so she was in her element :) a lovely place. I once got stranded on The May Isle (but thats a story for another day!!lol) Take care and thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@natalieminnis]

@@ScotlandsMountains Looking forward to hearing that story. I can't think of a nicer place to get stranded!

[@ivorcomment1526]

great watch as ever - hope the knee is fully Ok now

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Thanks Ivor - knee has been ok - still doing lots of exercises the physio gave me and touch wood - seems to be working :) Thanks for watching ATB Murray

[@peach5277]

Love your videos Murray and this was another cracking route