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The Sustainable Stop

Munro Profile 32: Ben Cruachan

Region: Loch Leven to Connel Bridge and Glen Lochy
Height: 1,126m (3,694 ft)

Ben Cruachan is the highest point in Argyll and a mountain of dual character, part wild horseshoe ridge, part hydro-engineering marvel. Its summit rises steeply above Loch Awe, offering panoramic views and a dramatic circuit that includes Stob Daimh. For campervan travellers, access is scenic and direct, with roadside options and nearby facilities.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Cruachan Dam Access Road (A85)

  • Location: Off the A85 near Falls of Cruachan railway station
  • Grid Reference: NN069304
  • Capacity: Limited roadside layby; suitable for small campervans during the day
  • Facilities: None at the trailhead; nearest services in Lochawe village
  • Charges: Free
  • Overnight: Not permitted

Alternative Options

  • Lochawe: Small village with B&Bs and informal parking
  • Taynuilt: Campsite with full facilities, 20-minute drive from the trailhead
  • Wild parking: Possible in designated laybys along the A85 (check signage and seasonal restrictions)

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Cruachan Horseshoe via Dam and Ridge

  • Distance: Approximately 14 km round trip
  • Elevation Gain: Around 1,200 metres
  • Terrain: Hydro track, steep rocky slopes, narrow ridges
  • Time Estimate: 7 to 9 hours

Shorter or quieter variants include the direct ascent or Coire Dearg route, suited to experienced walkers.

Navigation Notes

  • Ridge includes scrambly sections and an exposed terrain map; a compass or GPS is essential
  • Often combined with Stob Daimh for a two-Munro circuit
  • Pathless sections and boulder fields require care, especially in poor visibility

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

  • Roadside layby near Cruachan Dam allows daytime campervan access
  • Taynuilt and Lochawe offer overflow options and amenities

Overnight Options

  • Taynuilt Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
  • Wild parking may be possible in designated laybys (check signage)
  • No overnighting permitted at Cruachan trailhead

Fuel and Supplies

  • Taynuilt: Fuel station, shop, café
  • Nearest large supermarket: Oban

Legacy Log

  • Name origin: “Ben Cruachan” may translate to “mountain of peaks”
  • Name origin varies by source; often translated as “mountain of peaks,” though older meanings include “mountain of the rabbits,” referencing local wildlife.
  • Summit features: Cairn with views across Loch Awe, Glencoe, and the western Highlands
  • Known for: Horseshoe ridge, hydro dam access, and dramatic prominence
  • Popular with: Scramblers, photographers, and those seeking a high-impact circuit

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 32 in your campervan-access series. If you’ve climbed Ben Cruachan, traversed the ridge to Stob Daimh, or found a reliable overnight spot nearby, feel free to share your comments. Your insights help shape the archive and support fellow travellers.

Sources Used
These sites provide far more detailed and comprehensive overviews of the walks and Munros than I could hope to cover here:

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