Crianlarich via Grey Heights up Cruach Ardrain: route map, distance and time
1,046 m · Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
Cruach Ardrain is a Munro south of Crianlarich, climbed through forest and over Grey Heights, and often combined with Beinn Tulaichean.
You cross the railway and climb through forest onto the ridge over Grey Heights to the summit.
Crianlarich via Grey Heights at a glance
| Distance | 9.5 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 985 m |
| Time up | 3h 35m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 5h 25m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Crianlarich |
| Start grid reference | NN 384 250 |
| Summit grid reference | NN 409 212 |
Crianlarich via Grey Heights 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
Near the start
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Crianlarich via Grey Heights takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 2h 55m | 4h 30m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 3h 35m | 5h 25m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 4h 20m | 6h 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 07:18, sunset 16:46. Start by 10:21 to be down before dark, allowing 5h 25m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:20, sunset 16:43. Start by 10:18 to be down before dark, allowing 5h 25m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Cruach Ardrain summit weather for this route
-
Marginal Today Wednesday 28 October
Moderate rain, up to 5°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -4°C, summit wind 36 mph gusting 45 mph, 100% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:18, sunset 16:46.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Thursday 29 October
Moderate drizzle, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -1°C, summit wind 33 mph gusting 41 mph, 41% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:20, sunset 16:43.
Best day of the next seven for Crianlarich via Grey Heights: Sunday 1 November, with summit gusts around 20 mph and a 10% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Cruach Ardrain forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Cruach Ardrain?
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 -4°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 100% chance of rain.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 45 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 Cruach Ardrain
Cruach Ardrain is a Munro south of Crianlarich, climbed through forest and over Grey Heights, and often combined with Beinn Tulaichean. More about Cruach Ardrain, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Munro, Marilyn.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Stob Garbh (958 m), 0.9 km north
- Beinn Tulaichean (946 m), 1.8 km south-east
- Stob Binnein (1,165 m), 3 km north-east
Challenges that include Cruach Ardrain
Other routes up Cruach Ardrain
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inverlochlarig via Beinn Tulaichean | 5.3 km one way | 1,017 m | 2h 45m | Moderate |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NN 384 250, the summit at NN 409 212), 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.
Crianlarich via Grey Heights: questions and answers
How far is Crianlarich via Grey Heights?
Crianlarich via Grey Heights is 9.5 km one way to the summit of Cruach Ardrain, with 985 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 19.0 km.
How long does Crianlarich via Grey Heights take?
About 3h 35m to the summit of Cruach Ardrain and 5h 25m 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 6h 45m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Crianlarich via Grey Heights?
Crianlarich via Grey Heights starts from Crianlarich. The grid reference is NN 384 250.
Is Crianlarich via Grey Heights suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start Crianlarich via Grey Heights today?
By 10:21 at the latest. Sunset on Cruach Ardrain today is 16:46, Crianlarich via Grey Heights takes about 5h 25m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Crianlarich via Grey Heights?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).