An Cruachan

Hill, Mountain in Argyllshire

Scotland

An Cruachan

Knoll of south-east ridge of Beinn a' Ghràig Beinn a' Ghràig rises to the right out of the image. The knoll on its south-east ridge stands in front of a heavily shadowed peak, also partly hidden by mist, Beinn Fhada, 702 m. high.
Knoll of south-east ridge of Beinn a' Ghràig Credit: Trevor Littlewood

An Cruachan is a prominent hill/mountain located in Argyllshire, Scotland. It is situated in the Loch Awe area, near the village of Dalmally. The hill stands at an impressive height of 1126 meters (3694 feet) and is part of the Cruachan Horseshoe ridge, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

An Cruachan is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers due to its challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery. The ascent to the summit involves traversing steep slopes, rocky paths, and occasionally requiring the use of hands for scrambling. Despite the level of difficulty, the reward at the top is well worth it, as on a clear day, one can enjoy sweeping vistas over the nearby Loch Awe, the Grampian Mountains, and even the Isle of Mull in the distance.

The hill is also home to a number of rare plant species, including alpine plants that thrive in the high-altitude environment. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot various birds such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and red grouse, as well as other small mammals that inhabit the area.

An Cruachan holds historical significance as well. It is believed to have been an important site for ancient Celts and Picts, with remnants of Bronze Age settlements found in the vicinity.

Overall, An Cruachan is a captivating and challenging mountain that offers a rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those interested in exploring Scotland's rich history.

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An Cruachan Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.443009/-5.9736709 or Grid Reference NM5534. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Knoll of south-east ridge of Beinn a' Ghràig Beinn a' Ghràig rises to the right out of the image. The knoll on its south-east ridge stands in front of a heavily shadowed peak, also partly hidden by mist, Beinn Fhada, 702 m. high.
Knoll of south-east ridge of Beinn a' Ghràig
Beinn a' Ghràig rises to the right out of the image. The knoll on its south-east ridge stands in front of a heavily shadowed peak, also partly hidden by mist, Beinn Fhada, 702 m. high.
Clachaig and Creag Dhubh
Clachaig and Creag Dhubh
Ridge leading towards Beinn Fhada from A' Chioch
Ridge leading towards Beinn Fhada from A' Chioch
Upper Glen Clachaig, Isle of Mull The mountain A' Chioch is visible behind the cliffs of Creag Mhic Fhionnlaidh.
Upper Glen Clachaig, Isle of Mull
The mountain A' Chioch is visible behind the cliffs of Creag Mhic Fhionnlaidh.
By the Allt Beithe, Glen Clachaig On the approach from Benmore Lodge to A' Chioch enjoying an open view of the mountain.
By the Allt Beithe, Glen Clachaig
On the approach from Benmore Lodge to A' Chioch enjoying an open view of the mountain.
Slopes of A'Chioch Ben More (Mull) behind
Slopes of A'Chioch
Ben More (Mull) behind
Loch na Keal Looking down Gleann na Beinne Fada to Loch na Keal and Eorsa.
Loch na Keal
Looking down Gleann na Beinne Fada to Loch na Keal and Eorsa.
Beinn Fhada, Mull Looking along the ridge to the summit of Beinn Fhada. Coire nan Gabhar to the left.
Beinn Fhada, Mull
Looking along the ridge to the summit of Beinn Fhada. Coire nan Gabhar to the left.
A'Chioch and Ben More Looking down to the bealach between A'Chioch and Beinn Fhada. Ben More on the right.
A'Chioch and Ben More
Looking down to the bealach between A'Chioch and Beinn Fhada. Ben More on the right.
Ben More and A'Chioch View from Beinn Fhada ridge.
Ben More and A'Chioch
View from Beinn Fhada ridge.
Beinn Fhada The northeast face and summit tower of this aptly named long hill.
Beinn Fhada
The northeast face and summit tower of this aptly named long hill.
Beinn Fhada The long northwest ridge. Whilst climbing the steep ridge out of Scarisdale, I saw little sign of footprints, but here is a small path. The ridge is used as a fine approach to the Chioch-Ben More ridge and there were folk further along nearer the summit.
Beinn Fhada
The long northwest ridge. Whilst climbing the steep ridge out of Scarisdale, I saw little sign of footprints, but here is a small path. The ridge is used as a fine approach to the Chioch-Ben More ridge and there were folk further along nearer the summit.
Beinn Fhada A steep step in the ridge. The lochan is shown on the 1:25 000 map.  A' Chioch in the distance.
Beinn Fhada
A steep step in the ridge. The lochan is shown on the 1:25 000 map. A' Chioch in the distance.
Beinn Fhada The summit tower from the last of the flattish northeast ridge.
Beinn Fhada
The summit tower from the last of the flattish northeast ridge.
Beinn Fhada The summit tower. The ground here is complicated with some tilting of the lavas from the usual horizontal. This has led to a series of parallel rocky ridges.
Beinn Fhada
The summit tower. The ground here is complicated with some tilting of the lavas from the usual horizontal. This has led to a series of parallel rocky ridges.
Lochan, Beinn Fhada A lochan, trapped by hard rock bands near the summit of Beinn Fhada. A'Chioch and Ben More in the background.
Lochan, Beinn Fhada
A lochan, trapped by hard rock bands near the summit of Beinn Fhada. A'Chioch and Ben More in the background.
Bealach Col between A'Chioch and Beinn Fhada. The pass, without a path also links Glen Clachaig with Gleann na Beinne Fada.
Bealach
Col between A'Chioch and Beinn Fhada. The pass, without a path also links Glen Clachaig with Gleann na Beinne Fada.
East ridge, Beinn Fhada A contrast to the rocky north side of the hill, this ridge is gentle and grassy. Glen Clachaig in the background.
East ridge, Beinn Fhada
A contrast to the rocky north side of the hill, this ridge is gentle and grassy. Glen Clachaig in the background.
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An Cruachan is located at Grid Ref: NM5534 (Lat: 56.443009, Lng: -5.9736709)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///steepest.splits.defected. Near Salen, Argyll & Bute

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.443009,-5.9736709
An Cruachan
Ele: 581
Natural: peak
Source: NPE
Lat/Long: 56.4437322/-5.9768655
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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