OverviewStuc a'Chroin is located just south of Loch Earn in Stirlingshire. As this is one of only three Munros in the area around the town of Callander it attracts a lot of climbers. The popularity is more evident in May when the annual Stuc a'Chroin 5000 hillrace takes place. The current course record times for this race are: Men : 1.59.22 and Women : 2.22.47. Not my preffered option for climbing a mountain but hey, each to their own.
Stuc a'Chroin stands at 3199feet high and is listed as number 182 in the Munros table.
The translation of Stuc a'Chroin (pronounced: stook a kroin) from Gaelic is Peak of Danger. This probably comes from its steep north-east face with its rocky butress giving the peak its great character. The rocky butress rises from the Bealach an Dubh Choirein, which connects to the mountain Ben Vorlich, to a cairned summit north of the true summit. This butress provides some fairly loose scrambling which is best avoided if you are not used to it. This can be done by taking the steep, eroded path that branches off to the right.
There are three ridges to Stuc a'Chroin; the south-east ridge drops to Arivurichardich at the head of Keltie water, the south-west ridge goes to Beinn Each above Loch Lubnaig and the north-west ridge that drops steeply down into Glen Ample. The views from the summit are vast and include; The Arrochar Alps, Ben Lomond, Crianlarich Hills and the Ben Lawers Range.
There are various points to start your ascent from. These are; Callandar (longest route), Ardchullarie More (5 miles nort-west of Callandar)or at Glen Ample (1 mile east of Lochearnhead on the shores of Loch Earn)
Approx time taken: 5 to 8 hours (depending on chosen route).
Getting ThereFrom Glasgow - Take the M80 (eventually merges into the M9) to Stirling. Then take the A84 to Callandar.
From Edinburgh - Take the M9 to Stirling. Then take the A84 to Callander.
From Callander follow the A84 onwards for 5 miles for Ardchullarie More.
From Ardchullarie More follow the A84 for 8 miles until turning left (signposted South Loch Earn) and continue along the single track road for 1 mile for Glen Ample, minimal parking available).
Red TapeNo red tape as you have unlimited access to all of Scotlands mountains.
Where to stayThere are numerous places to stay in Callendar Callander Scotland Visitor Information .
There are also a variety of Caravan and camping sites in the area.
Wild camping can be done on the shores of Loch Earn.Maps and BooksLandranger map 51 and 57, OS map explorer 368, The Munros book by Cameron McNeish page 29 and 30, The Southern Highlands (Scottish Mountaineering Club District Guide book) page 142 to 146.Mountain conditionsStuc a'Chroin is accessible all year round however, as you can get four seasons in one day in Scotland, care should be taken at all times.
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