Ben Cruachan
About Ben Cruachan
Ben Cruachan dominates the Pass of Brander and Loch Awe. The mountain has a vast horseshoe ridge and is home to the Cruachan Power Station hidden inside the mountain.
Height & Prominence of Ben Cruachan
Ben Cruachan stands at 1126 metres (3694 feet) above sea level, according to Ordnance Survey data. Its topographic prominence is 876 metres, meaning it rises at least that far above the col connecting it to the nearest higher peak. Ben Cruachan is part of the Grampian Mountains. The OS grid reference is NN 069304, which you can use to locate the summit on any Ordnance Survey Explorer or Landranger map.
Ben Cruachan carries the classifications of Munro, Marilyn. As a Munro, it is one of Scotland's 282 summits over 3,000 ft (914.4 m), as originally catalogued by Sir Hugh Munro in 1891.
Location & Nearest Towns
Ben Cruachan is located in Scotland, Argyll and Bute. It sits in the Cruachan area.
For official access information and any seasonal restrictions, check the relevant national park authority.
Safety Tips
Always check forecasts before setting out. Summit conditions differ dramatically from valley level.
Carry map, compass/GPS, water, food, first aid, whistle, torch, and waterproofs.
Tell someone your route and return time. Stick to marked paths. Be ready to turn back.
Ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Know your grid reference.
On the Mountain: Walking Ben Cruachan
Ben Cruachan is a moderate walk that rewards careful planning. The summit sits at 1126m, where conditions can feel distinctly different from the valley — wind speeds are typically 30–50% stronger above 800m, and the temperature drops roughly 1°C for every 100m of ascent. In cloud, the cairn at the top can be hard to spot, so keep a map and compass to hand even on well-marked paths.
After your walk, the nearest village is a good place for a pint and a debrief. For detailed route descriptions and trip reports from other walkers, Walkhighlands is an excellent resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ben Cruachan one of the best mountains to climb in the UK?
Yes, Ben Cruachan is considered one of the best mountains to climb in the UK thanks to its scenic routes, 1126m elevation, and moderate difficulty level.
What difficulty level is Ben Cruachan?
Ben Cruachan has a difficulty rating of Moderate. Various routes are available for different experience levels.
When is the best time to climb Ben Cruachan?
The best season is Spring to Autumn. Summit temperatures are typically 5–10°C colder than the valley, and conditions can change rapidly.
Why Visit Ben Cruachan?
Ben Cruachan stands at 1126m (3694ft) in Scotland, Argyll and Bute. Classified as a Munro and Marilyn, it is a rewarding destination for hikers, climbers, and photographers.
Browse our UK mountains directory to discover more peaks, or see all mountains A–Z.
Nearby Peaks to Explore
Looking beyond Ben Cruachan? These peaks are close by and worth exploring.
