An Creachan

About An Creachan

Rising steeply above the western shores of Loch Eck, this rugged Cowal hill offers a quieter alternative to the higher Beinn Mhòr. Its slopes are a mix of dense forestry and open moorland, leading to a summit that commands exceptional views across the fjord-like loch toward the jagged peaks of Arrochar.

Key Statistics

Find It

Did You Know?

• •The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'An Creachann', meaning 'the windswept rocky summit', a fitting description for its exposed, stony plateau that sits in contrast to the sheltered, wooded glens of Benmore below.
• •From the summit, the view stretches across the deep trench of Loch Eck to the east, while the profiles of the Arrochar Alps—specifically the distinctive 'horns' of The Cobbler and Beinn Narnain—dominate the northern horizon.
• •The hill is frequently approached via the forestry tracks starting near the Benmore Botanic Garden, often serving as a southern extension for those walking the ridge toward the more prominent Beinn Mhòr.
• •Though modest in height, the hill is classified as a Hump, a term used for British hills with a topographic prominence of at least 100 metres regardless of their overall elevation.
• •Cowal hills are notorious for their 'vertical' vegetation; walkers should expect a character-building struggle through thick bracken and steep timber breaks before reaching the clearer ground of the upper ridge.