An Caisteal and Beinn a'Chròin, near Crianlarich

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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.

Terrain

Short section of track and then path for most of the route, indistinct in places.

Public Transport

Citylink buses between Glasgow and Crianlarich run past the start.

Start

Parking layby 4km south of Crianlarich off A82. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

From the layby go through the gate and take the path that leads to the underpass beneath 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 Sròn 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 the second gate. The first section of ascent is easy going with a couple of very short rocky steep sections and great views back.

Stage 2

Further up there is a faint path with becomes clearer as the first top of Sròn Gharbh is reached. From here there is a fairly clear path to Sròn 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).

Stage 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'Chròin, with one short section of scrambling (avoidable by an awkward detour to the right) to reach the plateau.

Stage 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.

Stage 5

From the summit of Beinn a'Chròin 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.

Stage 6

From here there is a path following the west side of the River Falloch. The River has some lovely clear pools which can be inviting on a hot day. The route reaches a hydro works and then joins a hydro track that leads back to rejoin the outward route. Follow the track back to the bridge and the railway and the start of the walk.

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