Two fine Munros with rewarding ridge walking and great views over a wide expanse from Loch Lomond to Ben Nevis. The walking is mostly on good grassy ground underfoot with a final section that can be boggy.
Summary
Short section of track and then path for most of the route, indistinct in places.
Terrain
NN369239
Grid ref
14km/8.75 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Parking layby 4km south of Crianlarich off A82.
[Map of start
point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
Citilink buses between Glasgow and Crianlarich run past the start.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. From the layby climb the stile and cross the boggy field to the underpass under the railway. Follow the track as it crosses the River Falloch on a bridge and continue on the track heading gently uphill. Ahead you can see the grassy flank of Sron Gharbh. This is the first objective on the way to the summit of An Caisteal. You can either head straight over the lumpy ground and cross a fence or follow the track for about 1km and turn off to the right immediately after a gate in the fence. The first section of ascent is easy going with a couple of very short rocky steep sections and great views back.
2. Further up there is a faint path with becomes clearer as the first top of Sron Gharbh is reached. From here there is a fairly clear path to Sron Gharbh and beyond up the ridge well-named Twistin Hill. The path follows the meandering ridge as it climbs steadily with lumpy rocky sections every now and again. About two thirds of the way along there is a deep cleft, easily crossed on a path requiring a couple of steep steps. The path then heads around a rocky knoll before climbing to the summit of An Caisteal (995m).
3. From the summit continue south on a small path that follows the clear ridge. At a couple of places there are rocky steps that are easily negotiated. The Bealach Buidhe is soon reached. From here the path traverses diagonally south east to head slightly right from the bealach up a rocky slope. The path winds up the steep buttress of Beinn a'Chroin, with one short section of scrambling (avoidable by an awkward detour to the right) to reach the plateau.
4. From here the path is straightforward as it winds between rocky lumps and tiny lochans - a small cairn marks the true highest point of the mountain. After a final steep dip there is a short steep section before the small cairn more usually regarded as the summit is reached. Just before the top, a fainter path joins from the left - this is the return route.
5. From the summit of Beinn a'Chroin there are wide ranging views over the Trossachs and further east and north. Leave the summit by heading north back down the path you came on for a short distance and then continuing straight ahead down the grassy ridge. There is a faint path for most of the descent, which is a little eroded on some of the steeper sections. Aim for the point where the two streams meet and cross them just before the confluence.
6. From here there is a path following the west side of the River Falloch all the way down the glen. The River has some lovely clear pools which can be inviting on a hot day. The route passes a large boulder with vegetation growing on top. There are a number of boggy sections. Eventually the outward track is reached opposite a large sheepfold. Follow the track back to the bridge and the railway and the start of the walk.
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