Cruach Ardrain and Beinn Tulaichean

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Cruach Ardrain has a distinctive outline which makes it a familiar sight from the Crianlarich and Tyndrum area. Its southern ridge rises to the satellite Munro peak of Beinn Tulaichean; to include both of these summits it is more convenient to start from the south to avoid reascending over the shoulder of Cruach Ardrain. The slopes to and from the ridge are steep, rugged and pathless.

Terrain

Pathless and boggy ascent and descent from the ridge, the descent is also rough going. The ridge linking the two Munros has a path and is more straightforward.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Inverlochlarig, near Balquhidder. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 12.5km / 7.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 1019m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN445185

Summits Climbed

Munro: Beinn Tulaichean
Munro: Cruach Ardrain

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park in the car park at the end of the public road beyond Loch Voil, where the varied scenery of the Trossachs begins to give way to a more mountainous, Highland landscape. Continue along the track on the north side of the glen to the farm at Inverlochlarig, with Beinn Tulaichean in view ahead. Inverlochlarig was the site of the final home of the celebrated outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor following his pardon; he died here in 1736 and his grave can still be visited in Balquhidder churchyard. Follow the track as it swings left and crosses the bridge over the burn.

Stage 2

Once over the bridge cross the stile on the right and follow the path up by the burn, passing a small hydro building and then joining the track heading north up Glen Inverlochlarig. Turn right along this, continuing until clear of the farm area and passing through a gate in a fence. There is no path up the slopes of Beinn Tulaichean; it's probably worth continuing along the track until a bend before following an ill-defined bumpy ridge to avoid some of the boggy ground at its base. From here climb to the left of a large cairn on a grassy knobble, and then continue up the slopes.

Stage 3

At around 500m a fence line runs across the slope - passing through a gate in this at NN426 188. Continue uphill, avoiding any broken crags; the slope eases briefly at around 700m. The ridge of the mountain becomes more defined ahead and a path helps on the final climb, which keeps left before swinging NNW to gain the ridge line. There are superb views looking back over Loch Doine and Loch Voil.

Stage 4

A final stroll along a grassy ridge leads to the cairn atop a small rocky outcrop on the summit. The views are extensive to the southeast but rather curtailed by higher mountains in other directions, though Cruach Ardrain and the high peaks of Ben More and Stob Binnein appear impressive. Follow the path along the ridge towards Cruach Ardrain, descending easily to the bealach between the peaks.

Stage 5

Continue across the bealach on the path that heads up towards Cruach Ardrain itself. High on the ridge a small cairn marks where a path coming up from the Grey Height ridge joins in.

Stage 6

Eventually the path swings right along the summit ridge, but there's a short sharp descent and reascent before the true summit of Cruach Ardrain is reached. The view sweeps down Coire Ardrain to Crianlarich, and takes in a wide array of the mountain peaks of the Southern Highlands.

Stage 7

Retrace your steps back to the bealach with Beinn Tulaichean. From here a small cairn marks the start of a path that heads down the initially grassy slopes to the east.

Stage 8

Soon the path fades out and the descent continues down open slopes. It is rough going at times and there are some slabby rocks and broken crags to avoid on the way down.

Stage 9

Once down to the floor of the glen a grassy track is reached. Turn right to follow this south back towards Inverlochlarig Farm, looking out for a sign that indicates where to leave the track on the left to avoid the farmyard and retrace the outward route back to the start of the walk.

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