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An Caisteal

996m Elevation
474m Prominence
Scotland Country
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Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

The Cobbler from Succoth Carpark

10.5 km ~6h Hard

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Beinn Ime from Succoth

15.1 km ~7h Hard

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Ben Lomond in the trossachs

12.1 km Hard

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Ben Nevis via Mountain Path

15.6 km ~7h Hard

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Standard Route via Sron Gharbh

This is the most popular and straightforward route to summit An Caisteal. Starting from the layby on the A82 near Crianlarich, cross the bridge over River Falloch and follow the path up through Coire Earb. Ascend Sron Gharbh before continuing along the ridge to the summit of An Caisteal. The route involves some minor scrambling near the summit but is otherwise a well-trodden path.

10 km ~4 hours Moderate

An Caisteal and Beinn a' Chroin Circuit

This circular route combines An Caisteal with its neighbouring Munro, Beinn a' Chroin. Starting from the same layby on the A82, follow the path to ascend An Caisteal first. From the summit, descend to the bealach and climb the steep and rocky ridge to Beinn a' Chroin. From here, descend back to the Coire Earb path and return to the starting point.

12.5 km ~6 hours Hard

Approach via Twistin Hill

This scenic route takes you up An Caisteal via the ridge known as Twistin Hill. Begin from the same starting point on the A82 and follow the Coire Earb path. Branch off to ascend the undulating ridge of Twistin Hill, which leads directly to the summit of An Caisteal, offering spectacular views along the way. Descend via the same route.

9.5 km ~4.5 hours Moderate

Winter Ascent via Sron Gharbh

A winter-specific variation of the standard route, this ascent requires proper winter equipment and experience in navigating snow-covered terrain. The route follows the same path via Sron Gharbh but will take longer due to snow and ice. The ridge to the summit can be more challenging in winter, but it provides a rewarding experience for seasoned walkers.

10 km ~5.5 hours Hard

An Caisteal from Inverlochlarig

Starting from the car park at Inverlochlarig, this less-travelled route approaches An Caisteal from the south. The path ascends through Gleann Sron a’ Chlachain to reach the ridge leading to An Caisteal. This quieter alternative provides a different perspective of the mountain and avoids the busier northern approach.

14 km ~7 hours Hard
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

996m

3,267 ft

Prominence

474m

Coordinates

56.3386, -4.6244

NN378193

OS Map

50 56

Explorer: OL39N 364N

At the Summit

The summit boasts a stone cairn and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks, making it a perfect spot for a well-deserved break (don't forget the snacks!).

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly rocky with some grassy patches slopes can be steep and uneven in areas.

An Caisteal is primarily composed of ancient volcanic rock known as basalt, which provides a rugged and impressive terrain. The surrounding area features a mix of schist and granite, lending to an interesting geological story woven into the landscape.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, one can enjoy views of Ben More, Ben Vorlich, and the sprawling beauty of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'An Caisteal' translates to 'The Castle' in Scots Gaelic, likely due to its imposing stature which resembles a fortress.

Historical Significance

An Caisteal is not only a beacon for hillwalkers but also holds cultural significance in local folklore and stories from the Highland clans.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a designated car park on the A82 near Crianlarich, which serves as a convenient starting point for the ascent.

Public Transport

Crianlarich has train services from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, making it accessible for those relying on public transport.

Nearby Facilities

There are limited facilities in Crianlarich including a café, a small shop, and public toilets available.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks and sudden weather changes can occur, so it's wise to come prepared and keep an eye on the sky!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up An Caisteal?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around An Caisteal through the maps

Are there other walkers around An Caisteal?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for An Caisteal search or of course create your own walk for An Caisteal

Can I organise a walk to An Caisteal?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to An Caisteal.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up An Caisteal?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to An Caisteal here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

An Caisteal location map

Grid reference: NN378193

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Beinn Chabhair

Beinn Chabhair

932m

 Stob Binnein

Stob Binnein

1,165m

Ben More

1,174m

Cruachan

537m

Ben Vorlich

943m
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