Munro · Arrochar & Trossachs
Cruach Ardrain
Cruach Ardrain (1045m) is a steep-sided stack in the Arrochar Alps and the Trossachs, where the Highlands meet the Lowlands. With 549m of prominence it stands well apart from its neighbours, a genuinely isolated summit that demands a dedicated day. The summit, marked by a cairn, gives views of Loch Lomond, the Firth of Clyde and the Glasgow skyline on clear days. The nearest town is Stirling in Stirling.
Gaelic: “steep-sided stack” · Pronunciation: kroo-ach
Quick facts
- Height
- 1045m/ 3431ft
- Distance
- 18 km
- Ascent
- 920 m
- Time
- 5.1 hrs
- Difficulty
- 4 / 5Strenuous
- Grid ref
- NN409212
- Parking
- NN421226
- Nearest city
- Stirling
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 18km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 18km with 920m of total ascent — a long and demanding day. Lower slopes cross steep wooded slopes of oak and birch above Loch Lomond. Higher up, the terrain changes to rocky mica schist ridges, often steep and broken. Well-maintained paths on popular routes like The Cobbler, but quieter hills have rough, steep ground. The summit is marked by a cairn.
Terrain
Above 700m the ground is fully exposed to weather from all directions. Well-maintained paths on popular routes like The Cobbler, but quieter hills have rough, steep ground. The hill's high prominence means the approach involves significant re-ascent — there are no easy shortcuts from neighbouring peaks.
In winter
In winter, Cruach Ardrain is a serious proposition. High rainfall makes ice build-up fast on north-facing slopes. These hills feel bigger than their height suggests in full winter conditions. Daylight is limited in midwinter but marginally better this far south than in the Highlands.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow1h 24m
- Edinburgh2h 4m
OS maps: OS Landranger 51, OS Landranger 56
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:48
- Sunset
- 20:45
- Civil dawn
- 05:04
- Civil dusk
- 21:28
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026