Scotland
Croidh-la
643M
2110FT
About Croidh-la
Rising south of Kingussie, this rounded heathery summit offers a straightforward ascent with an impressive reward. From the top, you gain a clear perspective across Strathspey to the Monadhliath range and the ruins of Ruthven Barracks, while to the east, the steep western face of Sgor Gaoith dominates the skyline.
Key Statistics
Rank
168th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Grampians
Prominence
?
86.8m
Nearest Town
Kingussie
Geology
You’re walking across ancient sandy and clay-rich rocks hardened by intense pressure, mixed with tough, crystalline granite that once squeezed deep into the landscape.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NN775949
Latitude
57.0289°N
Longitude
4.0198°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is Gaelic, likely Croit Là, which translates as 'Hill of the Day.' In some Highland communities, such names were given to landmarks that indicated a specific time of day when the sun appeared directly over them from the perspective of a nearby settlement.
- •Located on the western edge of the Cairngorms National Park, it is most commonly climbed from the north near Ruthven or from Tromie Bridge, often serving as a quieter alternative to the busier high peaks of the main massif.
- •The summit provides a particularly fine look down into the Insh Marshes National Nature Reserve, one of the most important wetlands in Europe, which stretches along the River Spey below the hill’s northern slopes.
- •Despite its modest status as a Tump, the ascent provides just enough heather-bashing and hidden peat hags to ensure your gaiters earn their keep before you reach the summit cairn.