Creag a' Mhadaidh from Loch Errochty

No getting across the dam !

By Calvine, a few miles west of Blair Atholl, the B847 heads west from a junction on the A9. Travelling through Glen Errochty, this narrow road climbs past farmland to reach the small hamlet of Trinafour, set by the Water of Errochty at a road junction.

The route begins from the entrance to a forestry track around 500m south of the bridge over the river, though parking here can be limited. An alternative is by the entrance to the road leading to the dam on Loch Errochty. Note that crossing the dam is not possible - gates and signage prevent access.

Rusting truck above shore of Loch Errochty

A gate bars the track, with a small kissing gate alongside - awkward for bikes and likely requiring a lift over. It is worth checking the main gate, however, as one of the padlocks may be unsecured.

Beyond, a good track is followed for around 3km through forestry - much of it now felled - passing the south side of the dam to reach a quarry where the main track ends. Off to the right, a grassy track descends to a gate in the forest boundary fence.

Emerging from the forest, Creag a' Mhadaidh comes into view at the far end of the loch. The track continues, at times rough, damp and well-used by sheep, but with increasingly fine views ahead. Just over 1km beyond the forest, the track drops close to the water’s edge, where the rusting remains of what appears to be an old WWII gun turret lie abandoned.

Bridge at the end of Loch Errochty

Bridge at the end of Loch Errochty

Heading towards Creag a' Mhadaidh

Beyond the bridge, the track continues briefly uphill before turning south-west, where it is left. Ahead, undulating ground of grass and heather rises gently towards Creag a' Mhadaidh. Underfoot conditions vary but are generally straightforward, with pleasant stretches of grass.

What appears at first a standing stone - a slab wedged upright into a crevice - provides a useful landmark, beyond which a faint drainage line can be followed. Otherwise, there are few features to aid navigation.

After around 3km, the summit is reached . A small cairn stands on a rocky patch, giving wide, if slightly restricted, views. Beinn Mholach blocks much of the western outlook, though Ben Alder rises beyond, while Beinn a' Chuallaich obscures part of the south-east horizon, with the summit of Schiehallion just visible.

Summit of Creag a' Mhadaidh with Beinn Mholach beyond

Summit of Creag a' Mhadaidh with Beinn Mholach beyond

'Standing stone' looking down to Loch Errochty and over to Beinn a' Chuallaich

The return is made by the same route.

There are several alternative approaches to Creag a' Mhadaidh, though this route offers a particularly scenic line with a bike approach above Loch Errochty and the hill in view ahead for much of the journey.

Another option follows the track along the north shore of Loch Errochty.

An approach can be made via the col between Creag a' Mhadaidh and Gualann Sheileach. This is reached by a track running from Dalnaspidal on the A9 in the north to Loch Rannoch in the south. From Dalnaspidal, the route is particularly enjoyable, following the track alongside Loch Garry towards the col, though for around 1km it reduces to ATV tracks. From Loch Rannoch, the approach is shorter, but arguably less scenic.