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A popular
two-hill day on the south side of Loch Earn and taking in Ben Vorlich
and Stuc a'Chroin. The day is not without some excitement however, as
a decision will have to be made whether or not to include a scrambly buttress
en route.
Start from
Ardvorlich, on the south side of Loch Earn. Parking is at the roadside
only and may well fill up on a good day. Be considerate. Take the good
path which follows the initial stretch of the right of way to Callander.
After about 1.5 km a junction is reached (there is a small wooden sign);
the right of way goes left, we go right, continuing up the track a way
to cross the stream coming down Coire Buidhe.
Continue
over wet moorland to gain the north ridge of Ben Vorlich and follow the
obvious path, initially on the flank of the ridge, to reach the steeper
higher section. The summit ridge is just above, with an OS trig point
at the north-west end (985m) and a large cairn at the south-east end (984m).
To continue
to Stuc a'Chroin, the second Munro, return to the trig point then descend
the south-west ridge to the Bealach an Dubh Choirean. A line of old fence
posts adds a quaint agricultural archaeology feeling to the walk, which
near the bealach is an enjoyable bumpy, twisty path. This leads to the
decision of the day, the buttress ahead, which is the continuation of
the ridge.
The buttress
is a scramble, about 30m to the right (north-west) of the steepest rocks.
It is loose in many places and is awkward to find and follow in descent.
Some walkers may prefer to descend slightly into the coire to the north-west,
cross the bowl below the north-west ridge of Stuc a'Chroin, then head
up the steep grass when obviously easy to do so. Snow may complicate either
route.
Either way,
the top of the buttress will be gained at a fine cairn, with the summit
of Stuc a'Chroin about 500m easy walk ahead. To return, either descend
the buttress with care, or go some way down the north-west ridge until
safe to descend into the coire. There is a path to be picked up which
leads from the Bealach an Dubh Choirean and contours round to the bealach
above Coire Buidhe. From there descend grassy slopes to regain the track
back to Ardvorlich.
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