Cruach Ardrain is a fantastic Munro. Although it sits next to the beasts that are Ben More and Stob Binnein it still manages to look large and impressive. As you drive past Crianlarich towards Bridge of Orchy and Glencoe it is always Cruach Ardrain that first pops out and is visible for a long time as you drive north. The north west face of Cruach Ardrain is its best feature. This is known as the Y gulley and offers some superb scrambling opportunities. Cruach Ardrain is normally climbed in conjunction with Beinn Tulaichean, however the descent / re-ascent to Tulaichean is minimal and will not strain you too much. Cruach Ardrain's lower reaches are encased in forestry and is a tricky process to pick your way through the trees, so leave at least some time for getting lost that’s all we can say !
There are bits and bobs of parking just south of Crianlarich or there is also parking available in Crianlarich itself. Due to the close proximity to the road, Cruach Ardrain is not an overly long day on the hills but definitely will be a memorable one !
Parked in the spaces up the track just outside the east end of Crianlarich. Took the track from here and stayed with it till the new forestry clearances. It was then fairly OK to gain the ridge. Descended via the NE ridge - wow a bit steep and snow across the gully path did not help. Passed another guy still ascending this way who avoided this by countouring round the east side and onto the south
Munro
No :
87
