Photographs and maps of a winter ascent of Cruach Ardrain above Crianlarich

Location: Glen Falloch, near Crianlarich
Map: OS Landranger 56 and 50 (GR352219)
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Time: 5 hours
Terrain: hillpaths

The rocky ridges of the Crianlarich hills offer excellent sport for a quick day out and An Caisteal is no exception. It can be climbed from a variety of directions, either by itself or linked with its neighbours, and continues to delight even after numerous ascents.
From the north, the most popular ascent is via Sron Garbh, Twistin Hill and the north ridge but whether it’s the best is debatable. Stob Glas and the north-west ridge above Derrydaroch has its devotees and is the route chosen here. There’s less of a path and the route is more devious in places but that only adds to the interest, especially under winter conditions.
Park in a large layby on the northern side of the A82, near the top of the long hill above Glen Falloch farm and opposite the track to Derrydaroch.
Follow the Derrydaroch track down to meet the West Highland Way, which comes in from the left,
and cross the bridge over the River Falloch. Instead of swinging right with the track past the house, continue ahead on to a path ascending the hill right of the burn. The path fades in and out and the ground is marshy in places, but the going isn't excessively steep and steady progress can be made to gain the top of Stob Glas. From here the ridge levels out but its knobbly nature sustains interest as the summit looms. The ﬁnal section appears unduly rocky and blocked by an impressive cliff but the route weaves its way through to the upper ridge. This remains interesting but straightforward until you emerge a short distance from the summit, which remains hidden until the last moment. To the west Ben Lui and Ben Cruachan dominate the view for much of the ascent but the eye is now caught by the northern triumvirate of Ben More, Stob Binnein and Cruach Ardrain. Also catching the eye is the rocky castle on the north ridge which gives the peak its name and has to be descended on the return. Cross to the castle and over the exposed path on its crest to a short scramble descent. The ridge broadens out and leads down to another scramble into a ﬁssure. The worst of this is easily avoided on the east side and from there the going is easy. You can continue to Sron Garbh before dropping off west towards Derrydaroch, but it might be easier to leave the ridge earlier and cross the Allt Andoran at a higher rather than lower point. The burn drains the corrie and snowmelt can make crossing low down awkward. Once over the Allt Andoran, follow it down to a fence, then head west over wet but easy ground to Derrydaroch.

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