Cruachan Horseshoe up Ben Cruachan: route map, distance and time
1,127 m · Argyll and Bute
Ben Cruachan is the highest mountain in Argyll, a Munro above Loch Awe with a rocky summit and a famous horseshoe round the Cruachan Reservoir.
A round of the ridge above the reservoir over Stob Daimh, Drochaid Ghlas and Ben Cruachan, with bouldery, narrow sections.
Cruachan Horseshoe at a glance
| Distance | 5.0 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 1,137 m |
| Time up | 2h 55m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 55m, down the same way |
| Grade | Scramble |
| Start | Falls of Cruachan, Loch Awe |
| Start grid reference | NN 079 267 |
| Summit grid reference | NN 069 304 |
Cruachan Horseshoe map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
How long the Cruachan Horseshoe takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 2h 20m | 3h 10m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 55m | 3h 55m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 3h 30m | 4h 45m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:20, sunset 16:48. Start by 11:53 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 55m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:22, sunset 16:45. Start by 11:50 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 55m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Ben Cruachan summit weather for this route
-
Poor Today Wednesday 28 October
Moderate rain, up to 4°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -6°C, summit wind 56 mph gusting 70 mph, 100% chance of rain. Rated Poor. Sunrise 07:20, sunset 16:48.
-
Poor Tomorrow Thursday 29 October
Mostly dry, up to 5°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -3°C, summit wind 43 mph gusting 54 mph, 8% chance of rain. Rated Poor. Sunrise 07:22, sunset 16:45.
Best day of the next seven for the Cruachan Horseshoe: Sunday 1 November, with summit gusts around 21 mph and a 12% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Ben Cruachan forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Ben Cruachan?
Before you go, also check: MWIS West Highlands forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -6°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 100% chance of rain.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 70 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Ben Cruachan
Ben Cruachan is the highest mountain in Argyll, a Munro above Loch Awe with a rocky summit and a famous horseshoe round the Cruachan Reservoir. More about Ben Cruachan, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Munro, Marilyn, county top.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Stob Dearg (1,103 m), 0.8 km west
- Meall Cuanail (920 m), 0.9 km south
- Drochaid Ghlas (1,024 m), 1.4 km east
- Stob Daimh (999 m), 2.5 km east
- Stob Garbh (982 m), 2.6 km east
Challenges that include Ben Cruachan
Other routes up Ben Cruachan
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falls of Cruachan via Meall Cuanail | 5.9 km one way | 1,145 m | 3h 5m | Hard |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NN 079 267, the summit at NN 069 304), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Cruachan Horseshoe: questions and answers
How far is the Cruachan Horseshoe?
The Cruachan Horseshoe is 5.0 km one way to the summit of Ben Cruachan, with 1,137 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 10.0 km.
How long does the Cruachan Horseshoe take?
About 2h 55m to the summit of Ben Cruachan and 3h 55m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 4h 45m for the round trip.
Where do you park for the Cruachan Horseshoe?
The Cruachan Horseshoe starts from Falls of Cruachan, Loch Awe. The grid reference is NN 079 267.
Is the Cruachan Horseshoe suitable for beginners?
No. It is a scramble: you use your hands on rock, often with big drops below. Go with someone experienced, on a dry and calm day.
What time should I start the Cruachan Horseshoe today?
By 11:53 at the latest. Sunset on Ben Cruachan today is 16:48, The Cruachan Horseshoe takes about 3h 55m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for the Cruachan Horseshoe?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).