Stùc a' Chròin
975m
Loch Lomond
“Peak of the Sheepfold”
975mHeight
13.9kmRound trip
6–7.8hWalk time
HardDifficulty 4/5
Photo: GeographBot · CC BY-SA 2.0
Overview
About this Munro
Stùc a' Chròin is a 975m Munro in the Loch Lomond region, its Gaelic name meaning “peak of the sheepfold”. It stands 185th of the 282 Munros by height. The usual ascent — Stùc a' Chròin and Ben Vorlich from Ardvorlich — is a 13.9km round trip taking 6–7.8 hours, rated hard (4/5).
Plan your day
Routes & Navigation
There is 1 route to the summit of Stùc a' Chròin, covering 13.9km.
Route preview
Stùc a' Chròin and Ben Vorlich from Ardvorlich
Hard6–7.8h round trip13.9km distance↑780m ascent
Bog ratingModerate
ParkingArdvorlich Roadside
Step-by-step guideIn the app
Climbing Stùc a' Chròin
The ascent of Stùc a' Chròin from Ardvorlich is a demanding day in the Loch Lomond hills. This 13.9km route takes 6 to…
Climbing Stùc a' Chròin
The ascent of Stùc a' Chròin from Ardvorlich is a demanding day in the Loch Lomond hills. This 13.9km route takes 6 to…
The ascent of Stùc a' Chròin from Ardvorlich is a demanding day in the Loch Lomond hills. This 13.9km route takes 6 to 7.8 hours and is rated 4/5 for difficulty with 3/5 bog levels. Starting from roadside parking at Ardvorlich, you'll begin with a walk through lower ground where boggy patches can slow progress, particularly after rain.
The climb becomes increasingly steep as you ascend toward Stùc a' Chròin at 975m, with rough, rocky terrain requiring good fitness and scrambling confidence in places. The route typically includes Ben Vorlich as well, creating a classic horseshoe that involves sustained climbing and descent. You'll encounter grassy slopes, rocky outcrops, and potentially some easy scrambling sections that add to the challenge.
The 4/5 difficulty rating reflects the length, height gain, and technical nature of the terrain. Stùc a' Chròin's summit ridge can be exposed and requires sure-footedness, especially in windy conditions. This is a committing route with limited easy escape options once you're high on the mountain.
Best Time to Climb Stùc a' Chròin
Plan your ascent of Stùc a' Chròin for late spring through early autumn when you have sufficient daylight for this 6 to…
Best Time to Climb Stùc a' Chròin
Plan your ascent of Stùc a' Chròin for late spring through early autumn when you have sufficient daylight for this 6 to…
Plan your ascent of Stùc a' Chròin for late spring through early autumn when you have sufficient daylight for this 6 to 7.8 hour expedition. The Loch Lomond region experiences relatively high rainfall, and the 3/5 bog level on the approach means conditions can be wet and challenging, particularly in spring and autumn. Summer months from June to August offer the most stable weather and longest days, giving you the best chance of completing the circuit comfortably.
The mountain at 975m can hold snow well into spring, and winter conditions require full winter skills, ice axe, and crampons. Stùc a' Chròin catches weather systems moving in from the west, so conditions can change quickly. May and September can be excellent months with good weather windows and fewer midges than high summer. Avoid attempting this route in poor visibility as the terrain is complex and navigation challenging.
Starting early is advisable to give yourself plenty of time, particularly on shorter days in spring and autumn.
Getting to Stùc a' Chròin
You'll start your journey to Stùc a' Chròin from Ardvorlich Roadside parking in the Loch Lomond area. Ardvorlich sits on…
Getting to Stùc a' Chròin
You'll start your journey to Stùc a' Chròin from Ardvorlich Roadside parking in the Loch Lomond area. Ardvorlich sits on…
You'll start your journey to Stùc a' Chròin from Ardvorlich Roadside parking in the Loch Lomond area. Ardvorlich sits on the south shore of Loch Earn, accessed via the A84 from Lochearnhead or from Callander to the south. The parking is roadside, as the name suggests, so you'll need to park carefully and considerately on the verge near Ardvorlich House. Space is limited, so arrive early on popular days to secure a spot.
The approach road is a minor single-track road that requires careful driving, particularly if you meet oncoming traffic. From Callander, it's approximately 15 miles north to the Ardvorlich area. The location is relatively remote with no facilities, so come fully prepared for your day on the hill. The drive along Loch Earnside is scenic, with the southern Highlands rising steeply from the lochshore.
Be aware that parking can be limited and is sensitive due to the proximity to private estate land.
Stùc a' Chròin Summit
The summit of Stùc a' Chròin at 975m provides a spectacular viewpoint across the southern Highlands. You'll find a cairn…
Stùc a' Chròin Summit
The summit of Stùc a' Chròin at 975m provides a spectacular viewpoint across the southern Highlands. You'll find a cairn…
The summit of Stùc a' Chròin at 975m provides a spectacular viewpoint across the southern Highlands. You'll find a cairn marking the highest point on a rocky, exposed ridge. The summit area is characterized by broken rock and boulders, requiring careful foot placement, particularly in wet or windy conditions. Shelter is very limited up here, you're on an exposed ridge that catches the prevailing westerlies, so on blustery days you'll feel the wind's full force.
In clear weather, the views are magnificent: Loch Earn stretches below, while Ben Vorlich rises nearby and the peaks of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park spread in all directions. The ridge of Stùc a' Chròin can be quite narrow in places, adding to the sense of exposure and achievement. To the south, you can often see Ben Lomond and the hills around Crianlarich, while looking north brings views into the wilder Central Highlands.
The rocky nature of the summit makes it an atmospheric place in all weathers.
Wildlife on Stùc a' Chròin
The route to Stùc a' Chròin takes you through varied Highland habitats. Lower slopes feature heather moorland, bracken,…
Wildlife on Stùc a' Chròin
The route to Stùc a' Chròin takes you through varied Highland habitats. Lower slopes feature heather moorland, bracken,…
The route to Stùc a' Chròin takes you through varied Highland habitats. Lower slopes feature heather moorland, bracken, and rough grassland, with boggy patches supporting bog cotton and sphagnum mosses as indicated by the 3/5 bog level. These lower areas are home to red deer which are commonly encountered, especially in early morning or late evening. Meadow pipits and skylarks are abundant in summer, their songs filling the air as you begin your ascent.
As you climb toward Stùc a' Chròin at 975m, the vegetation transitions to montane heath with hardy grasses and alpine plants. Buzzards are frequently seen circling on thermals, and you may spot ravens performing acrobatic displays around the crags. The Loch Lomond region's relatively western location means good rainfall, supporting lush vegetation growth in the lower zones.
At higher elevations approaching the summit of Stùc a' Chròin, ptarmigan may be encountered, though they're well camouflaged against the rocky terrain. In autumn, red deer stags can be heard roaring during the rut, a haunting sound echoing across the hillsides.
Stùc a' Chròin Tips
Stùc a' Chròin is rated 4/5 difficulty and requires good fitness, navigation skills, and mountain experience. The 13.9km…
Stùc a' Chròin Tips
Stùc a' Chròin is rated 4/5 difficulty and requires good fitness, navigation skills, and mountain experience. The 13.9km…
Stùc a' Chròin is rated 4/5 difficulty and requires good fitness, navigation skills, and mountain experience. The 13.9km route takes 6 to 7.8 hours, so start early with plenty of time before darkness. Carry full hill walking kit including waterproofs, warm layers, map, compass, and GPS device. The 3/5 bog level means waterproof boots are essential, and gaiters will help on the wetter sections.
Navigation can be challenging in mist, particularly on the ridge sections, so ensure you're confident with your map reading. Carry plenty of water and high-energy food, reliable water sources are limited once you're high on the mountain. Mobile signal is patchy and unreliable, don't depend on your phone for navigation or emergencies. The exposed ridges of Stùc a' Chròin can be dangerous in high winds, be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate.
In winter, this becomes a serious mountaineering route requiring crampons, ice axe, and winter skills. Always let someone know your route and expected return time before setting out.
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Nearby Munros in Loch Lomond
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about climbing Stùc a' Chròin.
How tall is Stùc a' Chròin?
Stùc a' Chròin stands at 975 metres (3,199 feet), making it the 185th tallest of all 282 Munros in Scotland.
What does Stùc a' Chròin mean in Gaelic?
The name Stùc a' Chròin translates from Scottish Gaelic as “Peak of the Sheepfold”.
How long does it take to climb Stùc a' Chròin?
Climbing Stùc a' Chròin typically takes between 6 and 7.8 hours round trip. This varies with fitness, weather, and the route chosen.
Where do I park for Stùc a' Chròin?
There is dedicated parking at the standard starting point for the main route up Stùc 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 Stùc a' Chròin to climb?
Stùc a' Chròin is rated Hard (difficulty 4/5).
What is the best route up Stùc a' Chròin?
The most popular route up Stùc a' Chròin covers 13.9km, 6–7.8 hours round trip.
Is Stùc a' Chròin good for beginners?
Stùc a' Chròin (difficulty 4/5 at 975m) 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 Stùc a' Chròin in?
Stùc a' Chròin is in the Loch Lomond region of Scotland. Nearby Munros include An Caisteal, Beinn a' Chròin, Beinn Chabhair.