Marilyn · argyll
A' Chruach
A' Chruach — simply The Stack — rises to 366m above Loch Awe near Kilchrenan. Its squat rocky crown stands clear of the surrounding moor, giving it a presence beyond its modest height.
Quick facts
- Height
- 366m/ 1201ft
- Grid ref
- NM 90361 21890
- Nearest city
- Oban· 9km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather and bog 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
A short walk from the B845 climbs through scrub birch and forestry edge onto open heather, with the summit tor reached by an easy scramble. About 2 to 3 hours suffices for the round.
Terrain
Forestry edge gives way to short heather and tussock grass, with the final summit a tiered outcrop of schist that demands a brief hands-on finish.
In winter
Frost can transform the summit slabs into glassy steps. Walkers nervous of exposed rock should leave this one for warmer months.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 12m
- Edinburgh6h 47m
OS maps: OS Landranger 49, OS Explorer 359
Mobile signal: Poor. EE, Vodafone, Three and O2 all fail; emergency plans essential for this hill.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:32
- Sunset
- 22:13
- Civil dawn
- 03:28
- Civil dusk
- 23:17
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around A' Chruach on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Oban station
Argyll ferry hub; Mull, Lismore, Coll, Tiree, Barra connections
9km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Oban
Argyll ferry hub — Mull, Lismore, Coll, Tiree, Barra
9km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Oban
Oban town centre — tiny two-still distillery bridging Highland and West Coast styles
9km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
A' Chruach — common questions
- How hard is A' Chruach?
- A' Chruach is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Forestry edge gives way to short heather and tussock grass, with the final summit a tiered outcrop of schist that demands a brief hands-on finish.
- When is the best time to climb A' Chruach?
- The standard good-weather months for A' Chruach are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 A' Chruach?
- 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 A' Chruach?
- Poor. EE, Vodafone, Three and O2 all fail; emergency plans essential for this hill.
- Is A' Chruach safe in winter?
- Frost can transform the summit slabs into glassy steps. Walkers nervous of exposed rock should leave this one for warmer months.
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