Marilyn · argyll
Cruach an Lochain
Cruach an Lochain, the Stack of the Lochan, takes its name from the small mountain tarn cradled below its 508m summit in the Cowal hinterland. Few walkers pass this way, giving the hill an air of remote solitude.
Gaelic: “stack, the, small loch” · Pronunciation: kroo-ach an loch-een
Quick facts
- Height
- 508m/ 1667ft
- Grid ref
- NS 04951 93846
- Nearest city
- Oban· 41km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather and bog 60% · lochside bog 25% · rocky summit 15%
From Strachur or Otter Ferry, forest tracks lead toward Loch an Daimh before pathless ground gains the summit. Plan for around five hours allowing for the rough finish.
Terrain
Forest road quickly gives way to deep heather, peat hags and boggy ground around the lochan. Quietly demanding terrain.
In winter
Cold weather firms the bog and aids progress hugely. Some snow possible on the summit plateau in midwinter.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 22m
- Edinburgh5h 3m
OS maps: OS Landranger 56, OS Explorer 362N
Mobile signal: Poor. No reliable coverage; EE fails in the Knapdale interior.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:33
- Sunset
- 22:10
- Civil dawn
- 03:30
- Civil dusk
- 23:12
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Cruach an Lochain on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Cruach an Lochain — common questions
- How hard is Cruach an Lochain?
- Cruach an Lochain is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Forest road quickly gives way to deep heather, peat hags and boggy ground around the lochan.
- When is the best time to climb Cruach an Lochain?
- The standard good-weather months for Cruach an Lochain 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 Cruach an Lochain?
- 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 Cruach an Lochain?
- Poor. No reliable coverage; EE fails in the Knapdale interior.
- Is Cruach an Lochain safe in winter?
- Cold weather firms the bog and aids progress hugely. Some snow possible on the summit plateau in midwinter.
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