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
- Grid ref
- NR 99136 80425
- Nearest city
- Glasgow· 62km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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: Poor. Signal drops on approach; Knapdale forest and moor gives zero coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:34
- Sunset
- 22:09
- Civil dawn
- 03:32
- Civil dusk
- 23:11
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 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
- How hard is Cruach nan Caorach?
- Cruach nan Caorach is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: A forestry track gives easy initial access.
- When is the best time to climb Cruach nan Caorach?
- The standard good-weather months for Cruach nan Caorach 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 nan Caorach?
- 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 nan Caorach?
- Poor. Signal drops on approach; 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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