Cruachan Group Walks | Join a Walk
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Elevation
537m
1,761 ft
Prominence
103m
Coordinates
56.2330, -4.6614
NN351076
OS Map
56
Explorer: OL39S 364S
The summit features a prominent trig point and a large stone cairn, perfect for post-hike selfies. Just watch out for the wind; it can be hair-raising!
The mountain is primarily composed of quartzite and schist, giving it a rugged and weathered appearance. The fascinating geological formations tell tales of ancient mountain-building processes.
From the summit, gaze upon the expansive views of Loch Awe, Ben Cruachan, and the surrounding peaks of the Highlands.
The name 'Cruachan' derives from the Gaelic word for 'little hill' or 'little crag', though it certainly doesn’t feel little when you're at the foot of it!
Cruachan has a rich history intertwined with Scottish identity, often associated with local folklore and the use of the surrounding area for agriculture and industry.
This is the classic ascent of Ben Cruachan, starting from the Falls of Cruachan railway station. The route heads steeply uphill through woodland before reaching the spectacular Cruachan Dam. From there, it follows a well-worn path up Coire Cruachan, passing the reservoir, and continues up rocky terrain to the summit of Ben Cruachan. The return is via the same route.
A popular circular route that not only summits Ben Cruachan but also includes the neighbouring Munro, Stob Diamh. Starting from Falls of Cruachan, the route ascends the steep path to the dam, summits Ben Cruachan, then traverses the ridge to Stob Diamh. After descending the ridge, the path loops back along the lower slopes to the starting point.
This is an extended and demanding ridge walk that completes the full Cruachan Horseshoe. Starting near Falls of Cruachan, the route ascends Ben Cruachan, follows the ridge to Stob Diamh, and continues over several additional tops before descending back to the starting point. It offers stunning views but requires good fitness and navigation skills.
For a quieter approach, this route ascends Ben Cruachan via the Taynuilt Peak. Starting from the A85 road near Taynuilt, the path climbs steeply through grassy slopes, eventually reaching the Taynuilt Peak. From there, the route follows a rocky ridge to the summit of Ben Cruachan. The return is by the same route.
This lesser-frequented route starts from Falls of Cruachan and ascends through Coire Glas, offering a quieter alternative to the main path. The route gains the ridge west of Ben Cruachan, summits the peak, and then descends via the standard Coire Cruachan path. It provides a good mix of solitude and dramatic scenery.
There is a car park at Cruachan Dam, which provides a convenient starting point for the hike.
The nearest train station is Dalmally, about 6 miles away, with bus services available from there.
There are toilets available at the Cruachan Dam visitor centre, though other facilities are limited in the area. A coffee stop in Dalmally is highly recommended post-hike!
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Some common questions about the hills answered
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Cruachan through the maps
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 Cruachan search or of course create your own walk for Cruachan
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 Cruachan.
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.
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 Cruachan here
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Grid Ref: NN351076
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