Date: Saturday 16th July 2016
Company: Myself and Cuillin
Time: 4Hrs
This morning I faced my usual decision-making dilemma. Repeat some nice close-to-home Munros in the Cairngorms or drive for just short of four hours to ascend what in all likelihood would be another fairly dull Fiona. With only twenty four Fionas remaining, I forced myself to undertake the long drive to tick off one more from the list. I am really looking forward to completing the Fionas so I can once again concentrate on Munros (and Tops).
As the weather forecast to the East and South looked better than the forecast to the West and North, I decided to head for Creag Ruadh at St. Fillans.
I parked in the lay-by next to the start of the track leading up Glen Tarken. This would be my second walk along Glen Tarken, my previous walk was in January 2015 to ascend Creag Each.
Click here to see a map of the route undertaken
In January 2015, there were a number of cattle at the start of the track. Today I was pleased to find none. Cattle and dogs aren't a good mix especially if there are calves.
The initial track was steep but enjoyable thanks to a large number of foxgloves adding some nice splashes of colour.
Looking back to Loch Earn:
As well as purple foxgloves, there was also a good number of purple thistles coming into bloom.
Thistles:
Within five or ten minutes of walking, Cuillin was already feeling the heat. We therefore stopped at every stream, and puddle, to give him the opportunity to drink and cool down.
Looking back to Loch Earn:
Creag Each:
After walking circa two kilometres, we turned-off onto the track leading towards Creag Ruadh.
Looking towards Creag Ruadh:
As we walked along the track, we saw several wheatear and a buzzard.
One of several small hydro schemes in Glen Tarken:
On reaching the track running parallel to our initial track, we followed it for circa 700m before taking to the hillside.
Creag Each from lower slopes of Creag Ruadh:
During the ascent I initially tried to pick out a line of short grass and then ascended via several patches of burnt heather.
Ascending Creag Ruadh:
Ascending Creag Ruadh:
I eventually picked up a narrow track leading towards the summit.
Following a narrow track to the summit:
Approaching the summit of Creag Ruadh:
According to the Database of British Hills, the cairn is the summit. The high point of the rock slab circa 15m away looks higher.
Cuillin a short distance away from the summit:
After taking several photos, and giving Cuillin some food, we began our descent.
Summit slabs:
During the descent we passed a number of feed trays and several grouse. Not long until these poor birds get shot by the dicks who take pleasure from such "sport".
Grouse feed?:
Once back on the track we followed it back out to the car.
Looking back to Creag Ruadh:
Out of the 723 Munros, Corbetts and Fionas, this was my 700th.