Glorious glens and magical Munros – hiking the Southern Highlands
Hiking Collection by Alex Foxfield
14
Tours
80:54 h
125 mi
37,925 ft
Scotland’s Southern Highlands are a wonderful introduction to Scottish hillwalking and the rewarding pursuit of Munro bagging. Spanning from the Highland Boundary Fault in the south to the edge of Rannoch Moor in the north and from the lower lands to the west to the border with Perthshire in the east, it’s a region of sublime beauty. Characterised by glistening lochs, magical glens, glacially-sculpted corries and characterful peaks, its landscapes are more forgiving than those found further north in Lochaber.
The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park dominates the south of the region. In the north, meanwhile, are the grand peaks of the Cruachan group and the panoramic Bridge of Orchy hills, which overlook the vast sprawl of Rannoch Moor. From giants like Ben Cruachan and its revered horseshoe to remote summits that require a hefty walk in, there’s plenty of adventure potential.
In this Collection, I present 14 hiking routes that explore the length and breadth of this spectacular region. There’s something to suit every taste and the routes are ordered in terms of difficulty. I open with a couple of low-level walks, one that explores gorgeous woodland trails and another through a beautiful glen. Then there are several smash-and-grab summit raids that can easily fit into an afternoon. I end with longer mountain expeditions that take a whole day to complete.
During these adventures, you discover a land rich in folklore and scenery that’s been the subject of poetry and song since the days of Scottish Romanticism. Astonishing encounters with wildlife are bound to be on the agenda too. There are 17 Munro summits to tick off, as well as a few smaller hills that are no less worthy objectives. At the end of each day, there’s often a Highland pub nearby with good pub grub, Scotch whiskey and a roaring fire.
Many of the routes in this Collection take to wild, high mountain terrain and, while most follow good paths, a strong degree of self-sufficiency is required. Wear appropriate hiking footwear and clothing. Gaiters are recommended, as much of the terrain can be boggy.
You have to negotiate several river crossings, so use sound judgement if the rivers are in spate. Sometimes retreat is the better part of valour and the mountains will always be there another day.
During winter, the high mountains are likely to be covered in snow and ice and will only be suitable for those with mountaineering skills, experience and equipment. Meanwhile, the summer months see the scourge of the midges. This makes late spring or autumn ideal times to take on these adventures, though summer is also fine if you are prepared for the wee pests.
The Southern Highlands are easily reached by train from Glasgow, with stations at Arrochar and Tarbet, Ardlui, Crianlarich, Tyndrum, Bridge of Orchy, Dalmally, Loch Awe and Falls of Cruachan. Where possible, the routes in this Collection start from train stations, though there are often closer starting points for those arriving by car.
The Southern Highlands is blessed by a number of good bases. Tyndrum and Crianlarich are fairly centrally located and have both great food and accommodation options. There are also plenty of places to stay on the West Highland Way and along the famously bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.
There are many other wonderful hiking routes in the Southern Highlands, some are detailed in my Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Collection: komoot.com/collection/1511.
On The Map
Tours & Highlights
- Easy01:524.30 mi2.3 mph325 ft325 ftEasy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
This family-friendly and picturesque walk explores the Lord Ard Forest on the banks of the loch of the same name. The trails here are home to a series of animal sculptures, which are great fun to spot as you go. Expect rich wildlife too, with red squirrels, pine martens, otters, water voles and red and…
- Intermediate03:317.98 mi2.3 mph650 ft650 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
A scenic glen, marvellous wildlife and a lovely former railway viaduct characterise this hike, which takes in an elongated loop of Glen Ogle. In 1842, Queen Victoria coined this glen ‘the Khyber Pass of Scotland’ thanks to the way ancient trade routes made use of the dramatic narrow valley. Today, the…
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- Intermediate04:077.01 mi1.7 mph2,200 ft2,200 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Tyndrum’s location on both the West Highland Railway Line and the main A82 road make it both an excellent base and a popular stop off. The village has plenty of accommodation options; places to eat and drink, including the excellent Tyndrum Inn; and the Green Welly Stop, where you can purchase all the…
- Expert04:428.52 mi1.8 mph2,025 ft2,050 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Undoubtedly one of the finest peaks in the Trossachs, Ben Venue makes for an excellent objective. The most popular route is a characterful hike that begins from the shores of Loch Achray. On a clear day, expect stunning views along Loch Katrine into the heart of the Southern Highlands.
It’s fairly common…
- Expert05:257.71 mi1.4 mph2,750 ft2,750 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Ben Vane is the lowest of the Arrochar Alps’ Munros but don’t let any perceived lack of stature fool you. Like the Cobbler, a nearby Corbett and firm favourite among hikers, Ben Vane outshines many of the higher mountains nearby with its crags and rough character. It may not be as immediately spectacular…
- Expert05:378.64 mi1.5 mph2,950 ft2,950 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The westernmost of the Crianlarich Hills, Beinn Chabhair is a relatively accessible Munro from Inverarnan beyond the northern tip of Loch Lomond. In keeping with the character of its neighbours to the east, it has a rough and knobbly summit ridge and boasts beautiful views across the Southern Highlands…
- Expert05:406.18 mi1.1 mph3,350 ft3,350 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Ben Lui is undoubtedly one of the grandest mountains in the Southern Highlands – if not the whole of Britain. Its east facing Coire Gaothach gives it a throne-like appearance when seen on the approach along Glen Cononish, which is the finest way to ascend the mountain. However, it’s a very long day…
- Expert06:098.96 mi1.5 mph2,900 ft2,900 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
These two craggy Munros towards the western end of the Crianlarich range make for a superb hillwalking day. Their dramatic Gaelic names should whet the appetite. An Caisteal means ‘The Castle’ and is named for its conspicuous summit tor, while Beinn a’Chròin translates to ‘Hill of Danger’, though it…
- Expert06:028.21 mi1.4 mph3,525 ft3,525 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
An instantly recognisable conical mass on the road between Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy, Beinn Dorain is a sight that has greeted many adventurous souls on their way to the West Highlands. Few will have seen this impressive peak and not wanted to see what it’s like up there. The good news for Munro baggers…
- Expert07:019.54 mi1.4 mph3,175 ft3,175 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
These two Munros occupy the heart of the Crianlarich Hills, rising as high points on a great Y-shaped ridge. While the higher Cruach Ardrain stands proud at the central meeting point of the Y’s three arms, Beinn Tulaichean is the lofty termination of the southern ridge.
These two summits can be claimed…
- Expert07:0713.7 mi1.9 mph2,750 ft2,750 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Sometimes, it’s nice to delve deep into remote mountain country, conquering great distances before that final summit push. Whereas many of the Southern Highland’s Munro peaks are accessible from the road, solitary Beinn Mhanach demands a longer approach down the beautiful Gleann Ach-innis Chalein, often…
- Expert07:338.97 mi1.2 mph3,850 ft3,850 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
One of Scotland’s most spectacular, Ben Cruachan vies with Ben Lui for the title of the Southern Highlands’ greatest mountain. The Cruachan Horseshoe takes on an enormous ring of peaks that tower above the appropriately named Loch Awe. Consisting of two Munros and two subsidiaries, the route encircles…
- Expert07:5512.4 mi1.6 mph3,725 ft3,700 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Rising in a tremendous display of natural architecture above the desolate beauty of Rannoch Moor, the north-facing cliffs of Beinn a’ Chreachain and Beinn Achaladair are sure to stir the soul. This wall is, in effect, the northern boundary of the Southern Highlands. Indeed, these two rocky Munro summits…
- Expert08:1413.1 mi1.6 mph3,800 ft3,800 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
This is a glorious outing to the two Munros at the centre of a grand 7.5-mile (12 km) ridge that separates Loch Etive and Glen Strae. While slightly overshadowed by the nearby Cruachan massif, Beinn a’ Chochuill and Beinn Eunaich are worthy objectives in their own right and feature magnificent views…
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Collection Stats
- Tours14
- Distance125 mi
- Duration80:54 h
- Elevation37,925 ft
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