Cruach Ardrain

Cruach Ardrain

Cruach Ardrain Group Walks | Join a Walk

1,046m Elevation
549m Prominence
Scotland Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Sim High Hill of Britain

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Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Cruach Ardrain together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

1,046m

3,431 ft

Prominence

549m

Coordinates

56.3564, -4.5762

NN409212

OS Map

51 56

Explorer: OL39N 364N

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a stout stone cairn that serves as a subtle reminder of the mountains' enigmatic allure. The breath-taking panorama makes it a perfect photo op.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with patches of grassy slopes offering a mix of challenges and rewards underfoot.

Cruach Ardrain is primarily composed of ancient volcanic rock, specifically basalt and andesite, which contribute to its rugged landscape. This geological makeup makes for interesting formations and stunning views that are sure to leave you in awe.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, gaze upon stunning vistas of Loch Voil, the Trossachs, and, on a clear day, the distant peaks of Ben Lomond and Ben More.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Cruach Ardrain' derives from the Gaelic, meaning 'the hill of the high ridge', highlighting its prominent position in the landscape.

Historical Significance

Historically, this area has been significant for its natural resources and as a settlement for many clans throughout Scottish history.

Popular Routes

Balquhidder Glen Route

Moderate

Starting from the scenic Balquhidder Glen, this route offers a gradual ascent with well-defined paths, making it a favourite among both seasoned hikers and novices.

14 km 5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking can be found at the Balquhidder Glen car park, which is free but often fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

Public Transport

Buses run from Callander to Balquhidder, making it accessible for those relying on public transport.

Nearby Facilities

You can find cafes, pubs, and toilets in Callander, which make for a great stop before or after your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for sudden weather changes, rocky paths that may be slippery in wet conditions, and the occasional mischievous sheep who thinks it owns the trail.

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

Find Walking Companions

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Cruach Ardrain?

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

Are there other walkers around Cruach Ardrain?

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 Ardrain search or of course create your own walk for Cruach Ardrain

Can I organise a walk to Cruach Ardrain?

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 Ardrain.

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 Ardrain?

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 Ardrain 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