Cruachan Dam – View of the Loch Awe Viaduct loop from Loch Awe
Cruachan Dam – View of the Loch Awe Viaduct loop from Loch Awe
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Cruachan Dam – View of the Loch Awe Viaduct loop from Loch Awe
06:57
17.7km
950m
Hiking
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Tips
Includes segments that may be dangerous
Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.
After 6.74 km for 1.23 km
After 8.03 km for 1.53 km
After 9.62 km for 399 m
After 10.6 km for 314 m
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
126 m
St Conan's Kirk
Highlight • Religious Site
5.15 km
Cruachan Dam
Highlight • Viewpoint
The penstocks are a pair of tunnels, 260 meters (850 ft) long and inclined at 56 ° from the horizontal with a 5.3 meters (17 ft) diameter, which then bifurcate into four steel lined 190 meters (620 ft) long, 2.5 meters (8 ft 2 in) diameter shafts. The penstocks underwent a major inspection and refurbishment in 2003.
The Cruachan Reservoir is 396 meters above Loch Awe and is surrounded by a 316-meter dam. The reservoir has a catchment area of 23 square kilometers, and is able to hold 7 gigawatt hours (25 TJ) of energy. Environmental restrictions called for the dam to have a "clean" structure, so the operating machines are inside the dam wall itself. The pressure tubes consist of a pair of tunnels, 260 meters long and inclined 56 degrees from the horizontal, with a diameter of 5, 3 meters, which then branch into four steel-lined 190 meter long, 2.5 meter diameter shafts.
The pressure pipelines were subjected to a thorough inspection in 2003.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.70 km
Ben Cruachan Approach
Highlight • Viewpoint
13.0 km
View of the Loch Awe Viaduct
Highlight • Viewpoint
17.7 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.29 km
3.83 km
3.24 km
780 m
505 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
9.30 km
4.77 km
3.52 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (970 m)
Lowest point (60 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 16 July
23°C
13°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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