Cruach Ardrain

Cruach Ardrain is one of the best known of the mountains that encircle the village of Crianlarich. It has a fine pointed outline, enhanced in winter and spring when snow fills the steep Y-Gully on its north face above Coire Ardrain. In plan the mountain is rather like the letter Y, with ridges radiating from the summit north-west, north-east and south.

The north-west ridge provides the usual route of ascent. Recent tree-felling has made the original start, from Crianlarich Village, very muddy. Instead, start at the car park in Glen Falloch at map ref 369239. From there go south-east up the track on the south-west bank of the River Falloch for just over 1 kilometre, then go down to the river, cross a bridge and climb east up easy grassy slopes to reach the north-west ridge at the upper edge of the trees where the traditional route is joined at the ridge below Grey Height. Continue along the ridge over Meall Dhamh, down to a col and up the north-west shoulder of Cruach Ardrain to the summit.

Instead of returning by the same route, the traverse can be continued by descending north-east to a col leading to Stob Garbh (959m). Continue north along the ridge for about ½ kilometre, then turn north-west down into Coire Ardrain and continue across the corrie and through the forest to rejoin the uphill route.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)