Marilyn · Argyll & Bute
Cruachan Min
Cruachan Min — the Smooth Stack — is a 376m hill on the southern fringe of Mull's Ardmeanach peninsula, set above the Burg cliffs. The summit, true to its name, is a rounded grassy crown, sharply different from the basalt steps that drop into Loch Scridain.
Quick facts
- Height
- 376m/ 1234ft
- Grid ref
- NM 44579 21713
- Nearest city
- Oban· 42km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather and bog 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
Approach from the Tiroran end of the Burg track and ascend west onto the open hillside before turning south-west to the summit. The gradient is gentle once on the ridge. Plan on around 4 hours for the round including the long access path.
Terrain
A pleasant mix of short heather, grass and occasional rock. The smooth upper hill is exceptionally easy walking by Mull standards once the bracken belt is cleared.
In winter
Generally a benign winter walk with snow rarely lying. Take care on the long access track in low winter sun — surface ice forms in shaded corners.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow5h 1m
- Edinburgh8h 40m
Ferry access
Oban → Craignure
- Crossing time45 min
- Summer sailingsUp to 8 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings4–5 sailings daily (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead7 days
- Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable — sailings run until ~21:00 in peak summer
Foot passengers can usually turn up without booking. Book vehicle spaces in advance. The Lochaline → Fishnish crossing (15 min) is shorter but serves east Mull only.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 48, OS Explorer 373
Mobile signal: Poor. Signal absent throughout; remote Mull glen has no infrastructure.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:35
- Sunset
- 22:15
- Civil dawn
- 03:31
- Civil dusk
- 23:19
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Cruachan Min on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Cruachan Min — common questions
- How hard is Cruachan Min?
- Cruachan Min is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: A pleasant mix of short heather, grass and occasional rock.
- When is the best time to climb Cruachan Min?
- The standard good-weather months for Cruachan Min 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 Cruachan Min?
- 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 Cruachan Min?
- Poor. Signal absent throughout; remote Mull glen has no infrastructure.
- How do I get the ferry to Cruachan Min?
- Oban → Craignure. Up to 8 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 4–5 sailings daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 7 days ahead. Foot passengers can usually turn up without booking. Book vehicle spaces in advance. The Lochaline → Fishnish crossing (15 min) is shorter but serves east Mull only.
- Is Cruachan Min safe in winter?
- Generally a benign winter walk with snow rarely lying. Take care on the long access track in low winter sun — surface ice forms in shaded corners.
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