An Caisteal and Beinn a' Chròin – Southern Highlands

These two craggy Munros towards the western end of the Crianlarich range make for a superb hillwalking day. Their dramatic Gaelic names should whet the appetite. An Caisteal means ‘The Castle’ and is named for its conspicuous summit tor, while Beinn a’Chròin translates to ‘Hill of Danger’, though it’s actually less hazardous than many Munros, with only a little scrambling on its western buttress.

The route begins from a lay-by just off the A82. It’s also possible to access this hike by rail if you begin from Crianlarich’s station, though this adds quite a bit of distance to the overall route. From the lay-by, take the path under the railway and cross the River Falloch. The path shadows the river for a time, before you turn right and make for the grassy nose of Sròn Gharbh.

After a faintly zigzagging ascent, there’s a bit of respite as you continue along Twistin Hill’s undulating rocky knolls. This wonderfully named ridge poses the occasional little rock step but nothing too challenging. Before long, you tackle the castellated outcrop An Caisteal is named after and stand proud upon the summit.

It’s a splendid viewpoint, with the neighbouring Munros of Beinn Chabhair and Beinn a’ Chròin close at hand, as well as more distant views to the likes of Ben Lomond and shapely Ben Lui.

Descend southeast to Bealach Bhuidhe, enjoying a couple of rock steps as you go. The path now snakes its way up Beinn a’ Chròin’s steep western buttress and there are a few little scrambles, before things get easier on the long summit plateau.

It’s a multi-topped and panoramic ridge; enjoy every moment. A path ventures off to the left just before one of Beinn a’ Chròin’s principal summits, heading down a long grassy ridge into Coire Earb. This classic glacial corrie is where streams merge to form the burgeoning River Falloch and there are some inviting wild swim spots. The path follows the river all the way back to the start point.