Fiarach is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 535m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: WHW tarmac and gravel at the start, then bog and rough heather climbing the north flank.

Where do I park for Fiarach?

Standard parking is at NN352291 near Oban. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Fiarach?

The standard good-weather months for Fiarach are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.

Can I bring my dog up Fiarach?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

Fiarach is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 535m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: WHW tarmac and gravel at the start, then bog and rough heather climbing the north flank.

Where do I park for Fiarach?

Standard parking is at NN352291 near Oban. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Fiarach?

The standard good-weather months for Fiarach are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.

Can I bring my dog up Fiarach?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Alan O'Dowd / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Graham · Arrochar & Trossachs

Fiarach

Fiarach (652m) — the slanting one — is the long ridge that closes the south side of Strath Fillan in the NN32 square. The small cairn on rock at the high point overlooks the West Highland Way, with Ben More and Stob Binnein filling the south-east skyline.

Quick facts

Height: 652.2m/ 2140ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 535 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NN344261
Parking: NN352291
Nearest city: Oban
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

heather and bog 65% · grass slopes 20% · rocky summit 15%

13km · 535m ascent · 3.5 hrs

Park at Auchtertyre by the West Highland Way. Walk south on the WHW past the wigwams, then leave it to cross the Crom Allt and zig-zag up the broad north flank of Fiarach. A faint quad rut leads onto the long ridge — turn south-west along the crest to gain the small cairn perched on a rock platform.

Terrain

WHW tarmac and gravel at the start, then bog and rough heather climbing the north flank. The summit ridge is firm grass with rock breaks; the cairn is small but the platform itself is unmistakable.

In winter

Strath Fillan sees regular snow that softens fast in maritime air. Fiarach's ridge holds drifted snow on its east flank toward Glen Falloch and a careful look at the cornice line is worthwhile in fresh fall. Daylight from Crianlarich is just enough for a winter half-day from the WHW.

This hill is in the Lochaber SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 34m
Edinburgh2h 14m

Parking: NN352291

OS maps: OS Landranger 50

Mobile signal: Moderate. EE near Crianlarich and the WHW; weaker on the ridge crest.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 11mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:39
Sunset: 21:53
Civil dawn: 03:41
Civil dusk: 22:52

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Fiarach on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Crianlarich station

Crianlarich Munros — Ben More, Stob Binnein, Ben Lui, Cruach Ardrain

4km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Luss

West Loch Lomond village — Highland Boundary, Loch Lomond Way

33km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Fiarach — common questions

How hard is Fiarach?: Fiarach is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 535m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: WHW tarmac and gravel at the start, then bog and rough heather climbing the north flank.
Where do I park for Fiarach?: Standard parking is at NN352291 near Oban. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
When is the best time to climb Fiarach?: The standard good-weather months for Fiarach are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
Can I bring my dog up Fiarach?: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
Is there mobile signal on Fiarach?: Moderate. EE near Crianlarich and the WHW; weaker on the ridge crest.
Is Fiarach safe in winter?: Strath Fillan sees regular snow that softens fast in maritime air. Fiarach's ridge holds drifted snow on its east flank toward Glen Falloch and a careful look at the cornice line is worthwhile in fresh fall. Daylight from Crianlarich is just enough for a winter half-day from the WHW.