Inverlochlarig via Beinn Tulaichean 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.
A steep grassy climb leads to Beinn Tulaichean, then a ridge path continues north to Cruach Ardrain.
Inverlochlarig via Beinn Tulaichean at a glance
| Distance | 5.3 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 1,017 m |
| Time up | 2h 45m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 50m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Inverlochlarig, Balquhidder Glen |
| Start grid reference | NN 437 181 |
| Summit grid reference | NN 409 212 |
Inverlochlarig via Beinn Tulaichean 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 Inverlochlarig via Beinn Tulaichean takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 2h 15m | 3h 5m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 45m | 3h 50m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 3h 20m | 4h 40m |
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 11:56 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 50m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:20, sunset 16:43. Start by 11:53 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 50m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Cruach Ardrain summit weather for this route
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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 Inverlochlarig via Beinn Tulaichean: 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
More walks from Inverlochlarig, Balquhidder Glen
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Inverlochlarig via the south ridge up Stob Binnein
Other routes up Cruach Ardrain
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crianlarich via Grey Heights | 9.5 km one way | 985 m | 3h 35m | Moderate |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NN 437 181, 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.
Inverlochlarig via Beinn Tulaichean: questions and answers
How far is Inverlochlarig via Beinn Tulaichean?
Inverlochlarig via Beinn Tulaichean is 5.3 km one way to the summit of Cruach Ardrain, with 1,017 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 10.6 km.
How long does Inverlochlarig via Beinn Tulaichean take?
About 2h 45m to the summit of Cruach Ardrain and 3h 50m 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 40m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Inverlochlarig via Beinn Tulaichean?
Inverlochlarig via Beinn Tulaichean starts from Inverlochlarig, Balquhidder Glen. The grid reference is NN 437 181.
Is Inverlochlarig via Beinn Tulaichean 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 Inverlochlarig via Beinn Tulaichean today?
By 11:56 at the latest. Sunset on Cruach Ardrain today is 16:46, Inverlochlarig via Beinn Tulaichean takes about 3h 50m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Inverlochlarig via Beinn Tulaichean?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).