Walking Up Ben Cruachan | The Hollow Mountain, Cruachan Dam & Epic Ridge Hike

Описание: Join me on a stunning hike up Ben Cruachan (1,126m) — one of Scotland’s great peaks and home to the legendary Cruachan Dam, also known as “The Hollow Mountain.”
This video follows my full journey from the shores of Loch Awe, past the iconic reservoir, and onto the rocky summit ridge with sweeping views over Argyll.


🥾 Route Details

Start Point: Falls of Cruachan / A85 roadside
Main Route Taken:

Steady climb through woodland above Loch Awe

Reach the Cruachan Power Station tunnel entrance

Ascend to the huge Cruachan Dam, with incredible views back over the loch

Follow the well-trodden path around the reservoir

Steeper, rocky ascent to the ridge

Final pull to the summit cairn of Ben Cruachan

Optional continuation to Stob Diamh for a full horseshoe


This is a classic Scottish mountain day with rugged terrain, big views, and a real sense of adventure.


🏔 History of Ben Cruachan

Ben Cruachan is steeped in myth and Gaelic heritage. The name “Cruachan” comes from “Cruach”, meaning a conical hill.
It has long been linked to old Highland folklore — most famously the mythical cry “Cruachan!” which was the war-shout of Clan Campbell.

The peak dominates the landscape above Loch Awe and has been a landmark for travellers for centuries.


💡 Cruachan Dam & The Hollow Mountain

Opened in 1965, the Cruachan Power Station is one of Scotland’s most impressive engineering feats.
Hidden deep inside the mountain is a massive pumped-storage hydroelectric plant — earning it the name “The Hollow Mountain.”

Key facts

Over 1 km of tunnels carved inside Ben Cruachan

Water stored in the dam is released to generate electricity at peak times

The dam stands at 316 metres long and can hold millions of gallons of water

It played a vital role in balancing Scotland’s power grid long before renewable energy became widespread


It remains one of only a handful of underground power stations in the world.


📜 Local History

Loch Awe is Scotland’s longest freshwater loch and was a strategic route in ancient times.

The area is rich in clan history, including nearby Kilchurn Castle, a stronghold of the Campbells.

The region saw centuries of movement, cattle droving, clan warfare, and later Victorian tourism thanks to the railway line that still passes the mountain toda y

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