Hiking Highlight
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
Routes leading to this Highlight may be dangerous
Routes may comprise technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.
Hikes to the apex of Cruach Ardrain’s craggy Y-shaped ridge system are superb adventures. One of the more distinctive and distinguished Munros above Crianlarich, anyone who has driven south from Tyndrum will have had their eyes turned by its soaring lines and towering summit. This is certainly one of the most aesthetic mountains in the Southern Highlands.
Superb hiking on a Y-shaped ridge system
Walking routes to Cruach Ardrain from Crianlarich make use of ridges that rise straight from picturesque Glen Falloch. The western Meall Dhamh arm is narrower and more defined. Whereas the challenging eastern ridge is rougher and undulating, with many subsidiary summits en route. The woodland at the start of these expeditions can be extremely boggy after rainfall.
Along the south-eastern ridge rises another Munro, Beinn Tulaichean, which can be easily linked. It is possible to ascend from Inverlochlarig, the site of Scottish folk hero Rob Roy’s former home. Any route from here will be rougher, pathless and pose more difficulties than routes from Glen Falloch.
From the summit, the view across the neighbouring, giant twins of Ben More and Stob Binnein is marvellous. All around the peaks of the Southern Highlands rise and fall on green, rugged waves.
Cruach Ardrain is a 3,432-foot (1,046 m) Munro in the Scottish Highlands. After approaching this mountain from Beinn Tulaichean, I explored by descending off the east side to tackle Stob Binnein and Ben More next, but this seemed too steep and craggy, so I headed north before heading east as the gradient eased. The views to Stob Binnein and Ben More from this summit are wonderful.
April 2, 2020
Another Munro pair to make an enjoyable day, Cruach Ardrain is the second after Beinn Tulaichean. Views to the north are good.
Descent from here is usually south east, following a rough grassy (and sometimes slippy) path down to a farm track and back to parking.
October 7, 2021
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Our Tour recommendations are based on thousands of activities completed by other people on komoot.