Highlight • Summit
Hiking
5.0
(53)
The Crianlarich Hills form a significant mountain range nestled in the southern Scottish Highlands, primarily within Perthshire and extending into Dunbartonshire. This impressive collection of peaks lies east of the village of Crianlarich and Loch Lomond, situated within the Breadalbane section of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The range is renowned for its rugged slopes, rocky summits, and distinct ridges, boasting seven Munros, including Ben More, which stands at 1,174 meters (3,852 ft) and is the highest…
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Tips
October 24, 2022
Hiking
Nearby routes
Best routes near Crianlarich Hills
4.7
(84)
525
hikers
18.2km
05:11
410m
410m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(13)
39
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
17
hikers
14.1km
06:34
1,030m
1,030m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 170 m
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While the Crianlarich Hills are known for their challenging Munros, there are also more accessible routes. Look for trails around the glens or shorter, less steep paths near the village of Crianlarich. Always check route descriptions for elevation gain and terrain before you go.
The village of Crianlarich is exceptionally well-connected by public transport. It has a railway station on the scenic West Highland Line, with services operated by ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper. The village is also a meeting point for the A82 and A85 roads, making it accessible by bus from various locations.
Winter hiking in the Crianlarich Hills is possible but requires significant experience, proper gear, and careful planning. Conditions can be severe, with snow, ice, and rapidly changing weather. It's crucial to have appropriate winter mountaineering equipment, navigation skills, and to check mountain forecasts before attempting any winter ascents.
Yes, while the high peaks are challenging, there are gentler walks suitable for families, particularly in the glens and lower areas surrounding Crianlarich village. These often feature less elevation gain and offer beautiful scenery, such as paths along rivers or through woodlands. Always check the specific route details for suitability for younger children.
Dogs are generally welcome on trails in the Crianlarich Hills. However, it's essential to keep them under close control, especially in areas with livestock (sheep, cattle) or ground-nesting birds. During lambing season (spring), it's particularly important to keep dogs on a lead. Always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Parking for specific Munros like Ben More can be found at various trailheads. For Ben More, a common starting point is near the A85 road, often with limited roadside parking or small designated areas. Parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so arriving early is highly recommended. Always park responsibly and considerately.
Crianlarich village serves as a convenient base for exploring the hills. It offers various amenities including accommodation options such as hotels and guesthouses, a village shop, and places to eat and drink like cafes and pubs. These facilities make it a good stop for resupply or an overnight stay.
The time required to hike a Munro in the Crianlarich Hills varies significantly depending on the specific peak, your fitness level, and weather conditions. For example, a round trip for Ben More and Stob Binnein can take 8-10 hours or more. Shorter Munros might take 5-7 hours. Always factor in breaks, navigation, and potential weather delays.
Yes, many of the popular routes in the Crianlarich Hills, especially those tackling multiple Munros, can be planned as circular walks. For instance, combining Ben More and Stob Binnein often forms a circular or semi-circular route. You can find detailed circular routes and GPX tracks on platforms like komoot to help with planning.
The Crianlarich Hills boast seven Munros, all exceeding 3,000 feet (914 meters). The most prominent is Ben More at 1,174 meters (3,852 ft). Other notable Munros include Stob Binnein (1,165 m), Cruach Ardrain (1,046 m), An Caisteal (995 m), Beinn Tulaichean (946 m), Beinn a' Chroin (942 m), and Beinn Chabhair (933 m).
While the Crianlarich Munros are popular, you can find quieter experiences by exploring some of the Corbett peaks (mountains between 2,500 and 3,000 feet) in the wider Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, or by choosing less frequented routes up the Munros themselves. Additionally, exploring the lower glens and forest paths can offer solitude away from the main summit trails.