The Cruachan Horseshoe
Up past the Cruachan dam to Stob Daimh and Ben Cruachan, the highest mountain in Argyll and Bute.
- Distance
- 13.6 km
- Ascent
- 1490 m
- Time
- 5.5–8 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 1127 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
The Cruachan Horseshoe is a hard 13.6 km circular walk with 1,490 m of ascent, taking 5.5 to 8 hours. It starts at Cruachan visitor centre, A85 (grid reference NN 079 267). It climbs 2 listed hills, the highest Ben Cruachan at 1,127 m. The start can be reached by public transport.
Ben Cruachan is the highest point in Argyll and Bute, rising above Loch Awe and the famous 'hollow mountain' hydro scheme. The route climbs steeply from the Falls of Cruachan through woodland to the Cruachan dam.
From the reservoir it climbs onto the ridge and Stob Daimh, then follows the rocky ridge west to Ben Cruachan's pointed summit, with a short section of easy scrambling. The descent returns to the dam.
Route
-
1
To the dam
Climb the steep path through the woods beside the Falls of Cruachan to the dam.
-
2
Stob Daimh
Follow the reservoir track, then climb onto the ridge and Stob Daimh.
-
3
Ben Cruachan
Follow the rocky ridge west to Ben Cruachan, then descend back to the dam.
Summits
999 m
On the way
-
Falls of CruachanWaterfall · on the route
Other routes up these hills
Questions about this walk
- How long does The Cruachan Horseshoe take?
- Most walkers take 5.5–8 hours for the 13.6 km route, which has 1,490 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Cruachan visitor centre, A85 (grid reference NN 079 267). Car park at the Cruachan visitor centre or nearby lay-bys.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Falls of Cruachan station (a request stop; check whether trains call). Check times on Traveline Scotland.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Steep path through woods; reservoir track; rocky ridge with easy scrambling.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Ben Cruachan (1127 m, Munro); Stob Daimh (999 m, Munro).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Deer stalking takes place on these hills from mid-August to October. Stick to the main paths and check Heading for the Scottish Hills before you go.
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Walks nearby
All walks near Inveraray
Ben Cruachan from Cruachan visitor centre
Cruachan visitor centre
10.7 km · 1290 m · 4.5–6.5 h
Stob Daimh from Cruachan visitor centre
Cruachan visitor centre
10.7 km · 1010 m · 4–5.5 h
