Marilyn · Arran
A' Chruach
The Stack, the high point of southern Arran's rolling moorland country. Quite different in character to the granite peaks of north Arran — gentle moorland whalebacks here rather than rocky aretes — with sweeping panoramas over the Firth of Clyde to Ailsa Craig.
Quick facts
- Height
- 512.5m/ 1681ft
- Prominence
- 279 m
- Grid ref
- NR 96976 33546
- Nearest city
- Glasgow· 70km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
rough grassland 55% · heather 30% · rocky summit 15%
Most parties start from the Ross Road and follow forestry roads inland before striking up the open moor to the summit trig. A relaxed half-day of around 10km return; an obvious objective to combine with a beach walk on the Arran south coast.
Terrain
Forestry road on the lower section is firm; thereafter open moorland with patches of bog. The summit gives short-cropped grass and easy walking once the heather is left behind.
In winter
Snow lies only briefly on these southern Arran moors but persistent rain leaves the bogs saturated for much of the winter. Pick a settled day and add gaiters.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 38m
- Edinburgh5h 21m
Ferry access
Ardrossan → Brodick
- Crossing time55 min
- Summer sailingsUp to 6 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings3–4 sailings daily (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead7 days
- Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable — last departure varies seasonally
Foot passengers welcome without booking. Book vehicle space well in advance in summer. A seasonal alternative runs Claonaig → Lochranza (30 min) in summer.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 68, OS Landranger 69, OS Explorer 361N, OS Explorer 361S
Mobile signal: Good. South Arran; EE reliable.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:49
- Sunset
- 21:03
- Civil dawn
- 05:06
- Civil dusk
- 21:46
NOAA Solar Calculator · 13 August 2026
Around A' Chruach on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Ardrossan Harbour station
Ferry to Brodick (Arran) — Goat Fell, Arran ridge
27km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Brodick
Arran base — Goat Fell, Glen Rosa, the Arran ridge
6km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Arran
Lochranza — northern Arran; revived in 1995; rich sherried releases
18km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
A' Chruach — common questions
- How difficult is A' Chruach?
- A' Chruach carries a 2/5 (moderate) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Ground conditions: Forestry road on the lower section is firm; thereafter open moorland with patches of bog.
- How much drop does A' Chruach have?
- The drop is 279m: measured from the summit of A' Chruach down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.
- What's the best month to climb A' Chruach?
- Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on A' Chruach. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up A' Chruach?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone signal on A' Chruach?
- Good. South Arran; EE reliable.
- How do I get the ferry to A' Chruach?
- Ardrossan → Brodick. Up to 6 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 3–4 sailings daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 7 days ahead. Foot passengers welcome without booking. Book vehicle space well in advance in summer. A seasonal alternative runs Claonaig → Lochranza (30 min) in summer.
- Is A' Chruach safe in winter?
- Snow lies only briefly on these southern Arran moors but persistent rain leaves the bogs saturated for much of the winter. Pick a settled day and add gaiters.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.