Creag Na-H-Eighe, Loch Rannoch & Craig Varr 25-26th June 2012

This was my first visit to Creag Na-H-Eighe and it was great to be joined by Iain and his friend Mark. I've read mixed reviews of this crag, some folk saying "it's not worth the effort", others saying "you can't get to the rock through the vegetation". I would have to say I disagree.



Me on the Tully Stane, Creag Na-H-Eighe 25/06/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)


Creag Na-H-Eighe is located a short distance north of Dunkeld, turn off the A9 at Tulliemet and park a short distance along the road just as it turns left. A well worn track leads from the car park straight to the crag, less than a 15 min gentle walk.

            Mark demonstrating how to climb like a ninja in flip-flops. Heather Wall S 4a, Creag Na-H-Eighe 25/06/2012              (Photo: A J Thorley)

Upon arrival at Creag Na-H-Eighe the first thing you will come to is the Tully Stane, a large stand alone schist boulder sitting directly in front of the crag. Although the problems are in the lower grades and probably wouldn't interest the hard-core boulderer, it is good fun.



Me on Juggy Bunnets S 4a*, Creag Na-H-Eighe 25/06/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

We tried many variations of the obvious lines as well as traverses at high level, mid level and low level. There are also smaller boulders in the area which may contain more problems and also to the left of the crag is a short wall from 1to 3 metres high and around 10 metres long with many possibilities.


              Mark cutting loose on a desperate crimp and mono. Just a Pech HVS 5a*< Creag Na-H-Eighe. 25/06/2012              (Photo: A J Thorley)

The main crag is not that big ranging in height from 8m to 20m and no more than 200m long including the short wall to the left. There is a wide range of climbs for such a small crag ranging from VD to E4 6a.

Iain on Hunt the Gunman E3 6a**, Creag Na-H-Eighe 25/06/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The SMC Guide, Highland Outcrops, does say that belays are hard to locate. A closer look revealed good block blays to the left of the crag. To the centre and to the right of the crag there are stake belays, be careful where you walk you may trip over them! Also comparing the guide book to the crag it is quite difficult to pin point climbs and it certainly looks as if the new edition of the Highlands Outcrops, when it does arrive, will have plenty more in it at this crag. 

Iain on Hunt the Gunman E3 6a**, Creag Na-H-Eighe 25/06/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The climbing itself I found very pleasant, the location is quiet and peaceful surrounded by woodland and open views from the top towards Schiehallion. 

Me on "Something...?" (not sure what), Creag Na-H-Eighe 25/06/2012 (Photo:A J Thorley)

I'm very much looking forward to returning in the future and maybe exploring further a field in the area with a bouldering mat. Iain, Mark and Vicks all enjoyed the day as well and came to the same conclusion, a top spot and a great discovery.

Vicks leading Cohen's Climb S 4a, Creag Na-H-Eighe 25/06/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

It was time to leave for camp, the chosen spot was to be along side Kinloch Rannoch. Unfortunately Mark couldn't make it so it was myself, Iain and Vicks.



Iain trying out his new toy on Loch Rannoch 25/06/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

After a torturous night of being eaten alive by midgies and woken by heavy down pours of rain, it was nice to get up to bright skies, a nice breeze and have breakfast down by the loch. After a brief chat it was decided to go for a paddle down Loch Rannoch. Iain very kindly lent me and Vicks his new boat! It was just what was needed to get away from the midgies.

Me and Iain both trying to escape the evening midge attack! Loch Rannoch 25/06/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)



We decided to leave a car at either end of the Loch and that we would paddle from where we were camped at the eastern end to a small ruin on an island at the western end of the loch, just below the hydro station and take full advantage of the wind.

The views east from the middle of Loch Rannoch. 26/06/2012 (Photo:  A J Thorley)



It has been a long time since I last paddled an open canoe and it was a great sense of freedom to get out onto the middle of Loch Rannoch, take in the views around us and relax.




Me on Loch Rannoch 26/06/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)



One of the things that I always enjoyed about open canoeing is the different view point, rather than looking down onto a loch from a hill top, looking up towards the hills. It really does make you realise the scale of Scotland's landscape.


A small turret in the middle of Loch Rannoch now colonised by gulls. 26/06/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

We arrived back at the car in time for late lunch. Iain had to leave and head home, I think his sixth sense realised rain was on the way.

How much kit can you fit in one car? 26/06/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)


Me and Vicks headed to Craig Varr a small crag located at the eastern end of Loch Rannoch on the northern side. A huge pylon stands in front of the crag. The crag is split into two tiers, after a little wander around we managed to locate the climbs. We only managed the one climb in the end, the wind speed picked up and the heavens opened, time to return to Glasgow.



Me on Pork S, Lower Tier of Creag Varr. 26/06/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

I'm very much looking forward to the next adventure, thanks to Iain for the loan of his boat, thanks to Iain, Mark and Vicks it was a great mini adventure!