Marilyn · Argyll
Cruach nan Caorach
Cruach nan Caorach, the Stack of the Sheep, is a 458m Marilyn in central Knapdale. The summit gives a fine panorama across forested hill country toward Loch Caolisport and the distant Paps of Jura.
Quick facts
- Height
- 458m/ 1503ft
- Prominence
- 210 m
- Grid ref
- NR 99136 80425
- Nearest city
- Glasgow· 62km
- 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
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Standard route
heather and bog 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
Approach from the B8024 along forestry roads on the west side of the hill. The track ends below the summit ridge and a short pathless pull on heather completes the climb. Around 3 hours round trip.
Terrain
A forestry track gives easy initial access. Above the tree line the ground is wet heather and tussocks, with peat hags near the summit cairn.
In winter
Snow lies briefly in midwinter. The main hazards are short daylight and the saturated approach — winter rain often makes the bog worse than snow would.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 31m
- Edinburgh5h 15m
OS maps: OS Landranger 55, OS Explorer 362N
Mobile signal: Minimal. signal fades on the walk-in; Knapdale forest and moor gives zero coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:21
- Sunset
- 21:34
- Civil dawn
- 04:32
- Civil dusk
- 22:23
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Cruach nan Caorach on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Cruach nan Caorach — common questions
- What difficulty is Cruach nan Caorach?
- On the OutdoorSCOT scale, Cruach nan Caorach comes in at 1/5 — easy. Ground conditions: A forestry track gives easy initial access.
- How much drop does Cruach nan Caorach have?
- The drop is 210m: measured from the summit of Cruach nan Caorach 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 Cruach nan Caorach?
- Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Cruach nan Caorach. 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 Cruach nan Caorach?
- 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 Cruach nan Caorach?
- Minimal. signal fades on the walk-in; Knapdale forest and moor gives zero coverage.
- Is Cruach nan Caorach safe in winter?
- Snow lies briefly in midwinter. The main hazards are short daylight and the saturated approach — winter rain often makes the bog worse than snow would.
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