Crianlarich Hills
The Crianlarich Hills are home to some fantastic walking with rugged slopes, rocky summits and fine ridges. Ben More and Stobinnein are seen from all over the highlands as well as the central belt. They are an impressive pair of summits and some of the highest in the southern highlands. We will spend three days climbing all 7 Munros in the Crianlarich hills.
This is a winter walk and you will need an ice axe and crampons. It is important that you are ready for winter and I would recommend that you have attended a winter skills course before booking. #ThinkWinter!
Ben More & Stobinnein
The Northeast ridge of Ben More is a fantastic route onto these hills and it allows us to make more of a circuit. It’s a less popular route and after the initial route through the forestry is a real classic. Potentially the best walk in the Crianlarich Hills. Once the ridge is gained it is lovely walking with some optional scrambling before we reache the lofty summit cairn. Here we join the trade route steeply down to the beallach between Ben More and Stobinnein. There is a walkers path all the way between the summits. It is a steep climb up to Stobinnein, but the views are worth the effort. A short descent south to another top sees us leave the well worn route again. There is a steep descent before we cross undulatin terrain to top of Meall na Dige. From here its wild walking before descending back down to the forest tracks back to the start.
Distance: 19km Ascent: 1500m Time: 8-10hrs
Plan B
Alternatively we can climb these from the south near Inverlochlarig. It’s still as steep start and usually a little quieter than the northern approach. After the steep start there is the stunning southern ridge of Stobinnein with some minor tops along the way. Then a big descent to the Bealach-eadar-dha Beinn and a steep walk up Ben More. The views from these two hills are incredible on a good day. Returning to the Beallach we then descend open slopes to the south and down into Inverlochlarig Glen. A good track takes us back to the start.
Distance: 15km Ascent: 1450m Time: 7-9hrs
An Caisteal, Beinn a’Chroin & Beinn Chabhair
This time we approach from the Crianlarich side of these hills to explore three wonderful Munros. A good track starts us off before we make our own way up the flanks of An Caisteal to its rocky summit. Crags are a feature of these hills as we weave between them down to the Bealach Buidhe. More rocky ground awaits as we head for Beinn a’Chroin and its summit. We will return to the bealach and head west down more pathless terrain to reach a low col at 619m. A steady climb brings us slowly up to the top of Beinn Chabhair. The knobly northwest ridge takes us down to Meall nan Tarmachan from where we head straight down grassy slopes. We pick up a hydro track that will lead us back down to Derrydaroch.
Distance: 17km Ascent: 1450m Time: 7-10hrs
Cruach Ardrain & Tulaichean
We will take the classic route up from Glen Falloch towards these hills as the views are the most rewarding. It’s a bit boggy in places and the undulating approach to Cruach Ardrain is well worth it. The path improves and so does the view as you get closer to Cruach Ardrain. Depending on the weather at this point we might head out to climb Beinn Tulaichean first giving us options for alternative descents. Back up onto the lovely summit of Cruach Ardrain and the views along Strathfillan. It’s possible to take in the Munro top Stob Garbh on the way down in good weather or to retrace the route up.
Distance: 17km Ascent: 1400m Time: 6-8hrs
£225
Group size is limited to a maximum of 6 people. To book your place on this walk please read my booking information and complete a booking form using the button below.