Things to Do around Cruachan Reservoir
Cruachan Reservoir is a dramatic region in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, defined by its rugged mountain landscape and the impressive man-made reservoir nestled beneath Ben Cruachan. This area features jagged peaks, fine rocky ridges, and expansive views over Loch Awe, providing a diverse setting for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, and road cycling. The terrain offers a unique blend of natural grandeur and significant engineering, shaping the outdoor experiences available.
Things to Do in Cruachan Reservoir
Outdoor enthusiasts exploring…
39
Routes
4.5
(141)
Average rating
1934
People visited
4.5
(22)
420
hikers
14.4km
07:33
1,180m
1,180m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.6
(20)
386
hikers
13.7km
07:03
1,200m
1,200m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.5
(6)
33
hikers
21.1km
08:14
1,160m
1,160m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.3
(16)
180
hikers
11.2km
05:44
930m
930m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
4.3
(6)
74
riders
34.0km
02:09
390m
390m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
31
riders
99.1km
06:26
1,190m
1,190m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
22
riders
63.9km
03:55
520m
520m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
30
riders
46.9km
03:01
550m
550m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
35
riders
108km
05:08
1,450m
1,450m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
36
riders
39.7km
01:51
480m
480m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(1)
17
riders
43.5km
01:53
280m
280m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
13
riders
80.8km
03:45
720m
720m
Hard road ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Cruachan Reservoir?
Cruachan Reservoir offers opportunities for Hiking, Touring cycling, and Road cycling. The region features a blend of challenging mountain terrain and serene loch views. More than 6,000 visitors have shared their experiences, with routes rated an average of 4.45 out of 5 stars.
What are the main hiking options around Cruachan Reservoir?
Hiking trails range from moderate walks to challenging mountain ascents. A demanding option is the Cruachan Horseshoe, a 9.0-mile (14.4 km) ridge walk that includes two Munros. A moderate 2.6-mile (4.2 km) loop is also available around the Cruachan Dam and Falls of Cruachan Station. For more details, refer to Hiking around Cruachan Reservoir.
Are there easy hiking trails in Cruachan Reservoir?
Yes, there are options for easier walks. The Cruachan Dam – Falls of Cruachan Station loop is a moderate 2.6-mile (4.2 km) path. For more accessible routes, consult the Easy hikes around Cruachan Reservoir guide.
Are there family-friendly walks around Cruachan Reservoir?
The area provides some paths suitable for families. These routes offer a chance to experience the landscape without extreme difficulty. Information on suitable trails can be found in the Family-friendly hikes around Cruachan Reservoir guide.
What cycling routes are available near Cruachan Reservoir?
The broader region around Cruachan Reservoir and Loch Awe offers opportunities for both road and touring cyclists. Routes vary in difficulty and often involve paved surfaces with views of the lochs and Highlands. The Cycling around Cruachan Reservoir guide provides further details.
Are there specific road cycling routes in the Cruachan Reservoir area?
Yes, several road cycling routes explore the area around Loch Awe, which is connected to the reservoir. These routes range from moderate to hard. The Road Cycling Routes around Cruachan Reservoir guide lists specific options.
What are the main natural features and landmarks near Cruachan Reservoir?
Cruachan Reservoir is situated beneath Ben Cruachan, a prominent Munro in the Southern Highlands. The area features jagged peaks, rocky ridges, and expansive views over Loch Awe. The Cruachan Dam, a 316-meter-long and 46-meter-high concrete structure, is also a significant landmark.
What is the Cruachan Power Station?
The Cruachan Power Station, known as 'The Hollow Mountain,' is a pumped-storage hydroelectric facility built inside Ben Cruachan. It uses water from the reservoir and Loch Awe to generate electricity. It was one of the first reversible pumped-storage hydro systems of its scale globally.
Can visitors tour the Cruachan Power Station?
Guided tours of the power station are currently suspended until 2028 due to upgrades. However, the Cruachan Visitor Centre remains open. It features an exhibition, a cafe, and a gift shop.
How popular is Cruachan Reservoir for outdoor activities on komoot?
Cruachan Reservoir is a popular destination, with more than 6,000 visitors having shared their experiences on komoot. The routes in the region have an average rating of 4.45 out of 5 stars.
What komoot guides are available for Cruachan Reservoir?
Komoot offers several guides for the region, including Hiking around Cruachan Reservoir, Family-friendly hikes around Cruachan Reservoir, and Cycling around Cruachan Reservoir. There are also guides for easy hikes, road cycling, and traffic-free bike rides.
How can I contact the Cruachan Visitor Centre?
The official website for the Cruachan Visitor Centre is visitcruachan.co.uk. The visitor centre can also be reached by phone at +441866962630.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
