Stuc a'Chroin - The long approach

Stuc a'Chroin is a shapely Munro to the north of Callander. Despite the rolling hills around and the genteel atmosphere of town, the long approach to the hill and it's surprisingly rugged profile, give it a wilder feel than you might expect. I headed there on a spring morning.

The back road out of Callander climbed the hills to Braeleny Farm then became a track across the moor, opening up the views to Stuc a'Chroin.

The old buildings at Arivurichardich were a place to rest against stone walls warmed by the morning sun.

The broad ridge of Meall Odhar was an airy, pleasant place to be as the view opened up to the rugged crags of the Stuc ahead.

A short, steep pull took me to the top for views across to its near neighbour, Ben Vorlich.

Further north the view stretched to the Crianlarich hills and the Ben Lawers range, while a line of snow-capped peaks filled the more distant horizon.

When I finished munching my picnic lunch and prepared to head back, I remembered something ... that a long approach means ... it's a long walk back to the bus.

Fact File
All the photos on Flickr - click here.
Start/Finish: Callander
Public transport: Hourly bus from Stirling Bus Station (next door to the train station) to Callander.
Route: From the main street head out on Bracklinn Road signed for Bracklinn Falls. A the farm at Braeleny continue straight ahead on a dirt track and cross the bridge at its end over the Keltie Water. Follow the track left and up to the buildings at Arivurichardich. A small path continues round the left of the second building and climbs up to the broad ridge between Meall Odhar and Stuc a'Chroin. It's lovely walking up here. Follow the path to the Stuc. I returned the same way.