NS0493 : Moorland north of summit of Cruach an Lochain

Cruach an Lochain

508m Elevation
259m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NS0493 : Moorland north of summit of Cruach an Lochain

Trevor Littlewood Photo source

Explore routes near Cruach an Lochain

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Crinan Canal: Bellanoch and Dunardry towpath return

10.6 km ~3h Easy

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Beinn Ime from Succoth

15.1 km ~7h Hard

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The Cobbler from Succoth Carpark

10.5 km ~6h Hard

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Ben Lomond in the trossachs

12.1 km 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.

Main Route from Loch Awe

A well-marked path leading from Loch Awe, this route offers a steady ascent with scenic views along the way. Suitable for most hikers.

6.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Highland Five

Elevation

508m

1,667 ft

Prominence

259m

Coordinates

56.0975, -5.1374

NS049938

OS Map

56

Explorer: 362N

At the Summit

At the summit, you will find a cloudy weathered trig point and some fabulous views stretching across the surrounding hills and lochs. Don't forget to sign the summit book if you find it!

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with grassy patches; boggier lower sections.

Cruach an Lochain is primarily composed of metamorphic rock, with schists dominating the landscape. The rugged terrain and exposed rock formations reveal the mountain's ancient geological origins, shaped by glacial activity.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can catch breathtaking views of Loch Awe, the surrounding hills, and on a clear day, you may even spot the distant peaks of the Southern Highlands.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Cruach an Lochain' translates to 'Hill of the Little Lake' in Gaelic, a nod to the smaller lochs scattered around its base.

Historical Significance

The area is steeped in local folklore and history, including tales of ancient Celtic tribes. The mountains were significant markers for local tribes.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is parking available at the Loch Awe car park, which is approximately a 10-minute walk from the main route’s starting point.

Public Transport

Bus services run from local towns like Oban to Loch Awe, though check schedules as they may be less frequent in winter months.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities on the mountain itself, but Dalmally offers a shop and café for last-minute snacks or bathroom breaks.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Uneven terrain, potential for sudden weather changes, and boggy areas in the lower sections. Ensure you're equipped for a classic Scottish drizzle!

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 Cruach an Lochain?

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

Are there other walkers around Cruach an Lochain?

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 Cruach an Lochain search or of course create your own walk for Cruach an Lochain

Can I organise a walk to Cruach an Lochain?

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 Cruach an Lochain.

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 Cruach an Lochain?

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 Cruach an Lochain 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

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NS049938

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Nearby Hills

Beinn Ghlas

420m

Ben Cruachan

1,127m

 The Cobbler [Ben Arthur]

The Cobbler [Ben Arthur]

884m

Beinn Ime

1,012m

Beinn Narnain

927m
See 5 more nearby hills