Marilyn · argyll
Cruach nan Cuilean
Cruach nan Cuilean — the Stack of the Whelps — is a 432m hill above Loch Fyne in inner Argyll. The summit looks down across the loch toward the larger peaks of Cowal, with the Arrochar Alps lining the horizon to the north.
Quick facts
- Height
- 432m/ 1417ft
- Grid ref
- NS 04349 84798
- Nearest city
- Oban· 49km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
heather and bog 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
A short steep climb from the A815 north of Strachur. Forestry tracks help with the initial ascent but rough open ground is unavoidable for the upper third. Round trip 2-3 hours.
Terrain
Mixed forestry rides, heather and grass. Boggy hollows on the southern flank can be avoided by following the ridge directly.
In winter
Frost firms up the heather and makes for pleasant walking. Genuine snow cover is unusual; gaiters and a torch are typically all you need.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 20m
- Edinburgh5h 3m
OS maps: OS Landranger 56, OS Explorer 362N
Mobile signal: Poor. No EE signal on summit; Vodafone also absent on this remote Argyll hill.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:33
- Sunset
- 22:09
- Civil dawn
- 03:31
- Civil dusk
- 23:11
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Cruach nan Cuilean on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Cruach nan Cuilean — common questions
- How hard is Cruach nan Cuilean?
- Cruach nan Cuilean is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Mixed forestry rides, heather and grass.
- When is the best time to climb Cruach nan Cuilean?
- The standard good-weather months for Cruach nan Cuilean 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 Cuilean?
- 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 Cuilean?
- Poor. No EE signal on summit; Vodafone also absent on this remote Argyll hill.
- Is Cruach nan Cuilean safe in winter?
- Frost firms up the heather and makes for pleasant walking. Genuine snow cover is unusual; gaiters and a torch are typically all you need.
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.