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Beinn a' Chròin

“Mountain of Danger/Harm”

942mHeight
23.5kmRound trip
5.9–7.7hWalk time
HardDifficulty 4/5
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Photo: File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) · CC BY-SA 3.0
Overview

About this Munro

Beinn a' Chròin is a 942m Munro in the Loch Lomond region, its Gaelic name meaning “mountain of danger/harm”. It stands 232nd of the 282 Munros by height. The usual ascent — Beinn a' Chròin and An Caisteal from Glen Falloch — is a 23.5km round trip taking 5.9–7.7 hours, rated hard (4/5).

Height rank232nd of 282
Coordinates56.3321°N 4.6084°W
OS Grid RefNN 388 185
GPS routes in the appSummit location — full route lines, parking pins & offline maps in the free app.
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Routes & Navigation

There are 2 routes to the summit of Beinn a' Chròin, ranging from 23.5km.

Route preview

Beinn a' Chròin and An Caisteal from Glen Falloch

Hard
5.9–7.7h round trip23.5km distance↑754m ascent
Bog ratingBoggy
ParkingDerrydaroch Layby
Step-by-step guideIn the app
Route preview

An Caisteal and Beinn a' Chròin from Glen Falloch

Hard
6–7.8h round trip23.5km distance↑754m ascent
Bog ratingBoggy
ParkingDerrydaroch Layby
Step-by-step guideIn the app

Climbing Beinn a' Chròin

Beinn a' Chròin presents one of the more demanding challenges in the Loch Lomond region, with 23.5 kilometres of often…

Beinn a' Chròin presents one of the more demanding challenges in the Loch Lomond region, with 23.5 kilometres of often pathless and boggy terrain to contend with. The route from Derrydaroch Layby involves a long approach across wet ground, with the 4/5 bog rating meaning you'll frequently be picking your way between peat hags and saturated sections.

As you climb towards the 942-metre summit of Beinn a' Chròin, the pathless nature of the ascent requires good navigation skills and stamina. The mountain lives up to its name meaning 'Mountain of Danger,' not because of any particular technical difficulty, but due to the commitment required and the treacherous underfoot conditions. The gradient increases steadily, and you'll be working hard for the 5.9 to 7.7 hours this expedition typically demands.

Best Time to Climb Beinn a' Chròin

The best time to attempt Beinn a' Chròin is during a settled spell in late spring through to early autumn when the…

The best time to attempt Beinn a' Chròin is during a settled spell in late spring through to early autumn when the ground has had a chance to dry somewhat. Even then, the 4/5 bog rating means you should expect wet feet unless conditions have been exceptionally dry for an extended period.

Summer offers the advantage of long daylight hours, which you'll need for this extended outing from Derrydaroch Layby. The Loch Lomond area receives considerable rainfall due to its westerly location, so check the forecast carefully and be prepared to postpone if heavy rain is predicted. Winter ascents of Beinn a' Chròin are serious undertakings with short days, potentially icy conditions, and the added challenge of navigating pathless terrain in snow.

Getting to Beinn a' Chròin

Your journey to Beinn a' Chròin begins at Derrydaroch Layby, located along the A82 in Glen Falloch. This main road…

Your journey to Beinn a' Chròin begins at Derrydaroch Layby, located along the A82 in Glen Falloch. This main road between Crianlarich and Ardlui provides straightforward access, and the layby offers basic parking for several vehicles.

Glen Falloch is well-served by the main trunk road, making Beinn a' Chròin relatively accessible despite the mountain's remote character. The nearest facilities including shops and cafes can be found in Crianlarich to the north or Ardlui to the south. Mobile phone signal is generally reasonable along the A82, though it becomes patchy once you leave the glen and head into the mountains.

Ensure you have all necessary supplies before setting off, as there are no facilities along the route.

Beinn a' Chròin Summit

At 942 metres, the summit of Beinn a' Chròin offers a sense of achievement earned through sustained effort across…

At 942 metres, the summit of Beinn a' Chròin offers a sense of achievement earned through sustained effort across challenging terrain. The top is marked by a cairn and provides panoramic views across the Loch Lomond region when visibility allows.

The summit itself is not particularly exposed compared to higher peaks, but it still experiences the full force of weather systems moving in from the Atlantic. There's limited shelter, so you'll likely want to don extra layers even on relatively calm days.

In clear conditions, you can appreciate the surrounding landscape of peaks and glens, while in mist, the summit of Beinn a' Chròin becomes a place for careful compass work before beginning the long descent back to Derrydaroch.

Wildlife on Beinn a' Chròin

The extensive boggy terrain on the approaches to Beinn a' Chròin creates important habitat for wetland plant…

The extensive boggy terrain on the approaches to Beinn a' Chròin creates important habitat for wetland plant communities, including sphagnum mosses, cotton grass, and sundew. These waterlogged environments are crucial for many species and demonstrate why the mountain presents such challenging underfoot conditions.

Red deer are common throughout this area, and you may well encounter them on the lower slopes. The pathless nature of the route on Beinn a' Chròin means you're walking through relatively undisturbed terrain where wildlife is less habituated to human presence. Keep an eye out for mountain hare at higher elevations, and listen for the croaking calls of ravens.

The Loch Lomond region's westerly location and relatively lower elevation means the vegetation remains lusher than in the drier eastern Highlands.

Beinn a' Chròin Tips

The 4/5 bog rating for Beinn a' Chròin cannot be overstated—waterproof boots and gaiters are absolutely essential, and…

The 4/5 bog rating for Beinn a' Chròin cannot be overstated—waterproof boots and gaiters are absolutely essential, and even then, expect wet feet. The pathless nature of much of the route demands strong navigation skills, particularly in poor visibility when the featureless terrain can be disorienting.

Carry full equipment including map, compass, and GPS, along with spare batteries. The long distance of 23.5 kilometres means you need to pack sufficient food and water, and be realistic about your fitness level before committing to this expedition. Mobile signal is unreliable once you leave Glen Falloch, so ensure someone knows your route and expected return time.

The commitment required for Beinn a' Chròin means you should be an experienced hillwalker before attempting this demanding peak.

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Nearby Munros in Loch Lomond

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about climbing Beinn a' Chròin.

How tall is Beinn a' Chròin?

Beinn a' Chròin stands at 942 metres (3,091 feet), making it the 232nd tallest of all 282 Munros in Scotland.

What does Beinn a' Chròin mean in Gaelic?

The name Beinn a' Chròin translates from Scottish Gaelic as “Mountain of Danger/Harm”.

How long does it take to climb Beinn a' Chròin?

Climbing Beinn a' Chròin typically takes between 5.9 and 7.8 hours round trip. This varies with fitness, weather, and the route chosen — there are 2 routes to the summit.

Where do I park for Beinn a' Chròin?

There is dedicated parking at the standard starting point for the main route up Beinn a' Chròin, in the Loch Lomond area. The exact car park location, map pin and arrival guidance are in the free Munros app.

How difficult is Beinn a' Chròin to climb?

Beinn a' Chròin is rated Hard (difficulty 4/5). Route difficulty varies across the 2 available routes.

What is the best route up Beinn a' Chròin?

The most popular route up Beinn a' Chròin covers 23.5km, 5.9–7.7 hours round trip. There are 2 routes to the summit in total, ranging from Hard to Hard difficulty.

Is Beinn a' Chròin good for beginners?

Beinn a' Chròin (difficulty 4/5 at 942m) is best suited to experienced hillwalkers in the Loch Lomond area. Expect sustained steep terrain and the need for confident navigation in poor visibility.

What region is Beinn a' Chròin in?

Beinn a' Chròin is in the Loch Lomond region of Scotland. Nearby Munros include An Caisteal, Beinn Chabhair, Beinn Ìme.

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