Overview
An Caisteal (pronunciation: aan kaistail) is located within the Crianlarich hills and is a fine peak that gives clear views of the surrounding peaks in the area. The translation of An Caisteal from Gaelic to English is 'The Castle' and when viewed from the the road in Glen Falloch it is clear to see why the gaels named it such.
The hill, as with most of the Crianlarich hills, stands well back from the A82 road. The peak can be approached from two differnt points; either from Derrydaroch farm via the ridge of Stob Glas or from just before Keilator farm via Sron Garbh and its ridge, Twistin Hill. The summit lies at the point where the two ridges join. The start of both routes is generally quite boggy, but once the ridges are reached the underfoot conditions dry out to give a splendid walk.
Sunrise next to Sron Garbh
There are plenty of peaks within the Crianlarich hills range and seven Munros available for the munro bagger to claim. An Caisteal is generally done in conjunction with the Munro of Beinn a'Chroin (3084ft) that sits just a short distance away to the south-east.
An Caisteal can be completed in around 4 to 5 hours. If you intend to add Beinn a'Chroin to the day then it should take roughly an extra hours time.
Getting There
CAR
From
Edinburgh take the M9 to Stirling, then join the A85 road and follow all the way to Crianlarich.
From
Glasgow take the A82 road, north bound, through Loch Lomond until reaching Glen Falloch just before Crianlarich.
From
Perth follow the A9 south, then join the A85 for Crianlarich, just before Stirling.
There is a small amount of lay-by parking available in Glen Falloch.
Use the following link for a detailed route plan from/to your destination within the UK.
AA Route Planner
RAIL
The nearest station for this peak is at Crianlarich. Train timetables from all of Scotland’s major stations are available
here
BUS
Scottish Citylink buses, provides the majority of bus transportation between Scotland's major cities. Alight at Crianlarich for this peak.
Red Tape
There is no red tape in Scotland due to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 which incorporated the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This code, which commenced on the 9th of February 2005, has established statutory rights of access to land and inland water for outdoor recreation.
The Land Reform(Scotland) Act 2003
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
The area is densely populated with deer and as a result of this it is a popular place for deer stalking. This should be taken into consideration as it may have an effect on your route.
The stag stalking season runs from the 1st of July until the 20th of October. The deer hind season runs from the 21st of October until the 15th of February. The majority of estates however, have the peak times of their stalking activities between the months of August and October.
In order to enable hill walkers and climbers to plan routes that skirt around the main routes used for planned deer stalking activities, the following website provides detailed information and contact numbers;
Hill Phones
Books and Maps
An Caisteal from Glen Falloch (Photo by: Daveyboy)
Books
The Southern Highlands by
D J Bennet
The Munros (SMC Hillwalkers guide) edited by
Donald Bennet & Rab Anderson
Ski Mountaineering in Scotland by
Donald Bennet & Bill Wallace
Scottish Hill and Mountain Names by
Peter Drummond
The Munros by
Cameron McNeish
The Munro Almanac by
Cameron McNeish
Maps
OS Explorer Map sheet: 364, Loch Lomond North
OS Landranger Map sheet : 50, Glen Orchy & Loch Etive
OS Landranger Map sheet : 56, Loch Lomond & Inverary
Harvey Superwalker Map - CrianlarichPlaces to stay
There is quite a varied selection of accommodation available close to this peak, with the best places to base yourself being Crianlarich and Tyndrum.
Below is a small selection of places that might suit your needs;
Tyndrum Lodge Hotel
The Crianlarich Hotel
Strathfillan House
Ben More Lodge
Crianlarich Youth Hostel
Tyndrum wigwams
Beinglas CampsiteMountain Conditions
An Caisteal is accessible all year round however, as you can get four seasons in one day in Scotland, care should be taken at all times.
Mountain weather forecast
Avalanche forecastExternal Links
On route to An Caisteal (Photo by: Visentin)
Visit Scotland
Discover Scotland
Undiscovered Scotland
Walk the Highlands
The Scottish Mountaineering Club
Munro Magic
Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland
Hill Phones
Deer Stalking Scotland
Buachaille.com