Scotland
Cruach Ardrain
1046M
3431FT
About Cruach Ardrain
Rising sharply above Crianlarich, this prominent Munro is defined by its rugged, pyramidal profile and steep northern crags. The ascent involves a significant pull over grassy slopes that give way to a rocky, twin-topped summit, offering a grand, high-mountain feel despite its proximity to the road and rail links below.
Key Statistics
Rank
6th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Prominence
?
549m
Nearest Town
Crianlarich
Geology
You are walking on ancient, compressed sandstones and mudstones. Dark ribbons of cooled magma also slice through these rugged slopes, forming the sturdy foundation beneath your boots.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NN409212
Latitude
56.3563°N
Longitude
4.5766°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'Cruach', meaning a stack or a rick, and 'Ardrain', likely referring to a high place or 'high blackthorn'. It accurately describes the hill’s sharp, conical appearance when viewed from the north.
- •The mountain features two distinct summits roughly 300 metres apart. While the northern top looks more impressive from the village of Crianlarich, the southern top is the true Munro summit, marked by a cairn on a stony plateau.
- •It is most frequently climbed in tandem with Beinn Tulaichean, a neighbouring Munro to the south. The two are joined by a broad, high-level ridge that provides an easy traverse compared to the steep, taxing climb required to reach the initial crest.
- •From the summit, the view of the 'Crianlarich Giants'—Ben More and Stob Binnein—is particularly striking, showing their massive, steep-sided profiles across the deep trench of the Ben More Glen.
- •Walkers approaching from the north should prepare for the 'Crianlarich Sponge'; the lower slopes and the fire breaks through the forestry plantations are notorious for deep, persistent bog that rarely dries out, even in midsummer.