A Hiker's Guide to Beinn a' Chrùlaiste
Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Beinn a' Chrùlaiste offers an overlooked but equally rewarding hike compared to its famous neighbour, Buachaille Etive Mòr.
This 857-meter Corbett is a rather unassuming peak which isn’t the prettiest to look at , however it offers panoramic 360-degree views from its summit, including a unique vantage of the iconic pyramid-shaped Buachaille, which are some of the best in the Scottish Highlands.
Perfect for those seeking a quieter adventure, Beinn a' Chrùlaiste promises a mix of solitude and spectacular scenery. For those not wanting to reach the summit, there is a fantastic viewpoint around 1km up the mountainside which gives you a incredible view of Buachaille Etive Mòr.
In this blog post I highlight all the key information you need to hike up Beinn a' Chrùlaiste in Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands.
Key Hike Information
Difficulty: Moderate / Hard
Type: Out and back
Distance: 7km
Ascent: 580m
Duration: 2-5 hours
Why Hike Beinn a' Chrùlaiste?
Stunning Views: The summit rewards hikers with panoramic views of Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, and the peaks of the Mamores and Grey Corries.
Moderate Challenge: While it’s not as high as nearby Munros, the hike still offers a satisfying ascent suitable for moderately experienced hikers.
Great for Sunrise: Alongside incredible views, the lower viewpoint can be reached in as little as half an hour from the roadside
Possible Cloud Inversions: Its not guaranteed but its a great peak to see it from
Wildlife Encounters: Keep an eye out for red deer and golden eagles, which are often spotted in the area.
Getting there & Parking
The hike begins near Altnafeadh, easily accessible via the A82 road between Glencoe and Bridge of Orchy. There is limited parking in several laybys at Altnafeadh, so it’s best to arrive early, especially during the summer months.
Route Description
The route is very steep and not well marked, however it’s not technical, exposed, and very spongy underfoot so as long as you dont stray near to the edge, then you cant go too far wrong.
Begin at Altnafeadh, you want to walk east down the A82 back towards the Ski centre until you have passed the small woodland which is on the north side of the road.
From here you need to work you need to hop over the fence and work your way up the grassy slope until you hit another fence. Hop over that and begin heading up the western flank of Beinn a' Chrùlaiste. The trail steadily ascends 320 m over 1.1km through heather and grassy slopes.
The First Viewpoint
After 1.1km the path will level out slightly, you will be greeted by a section of undulating terrain in front of the peaks steep south face. The will be a small pool of water which roughly marks the first viewpoint. This spot is incredibly popular with photographers and wild campers. Alongside have an amazing view over Glencoe towards the iconic pyramid-shaped Buachaille, you will be able to see south over Rannoch Moor and north towards the Mamores and Ben Nevis.
Continuation to the summit
The final ascent to the summit isn’t as steep but does incolves nvigating oversome rocky terrain. The path is not that clear, but as the hill is so wide as long as you shoot for the highest point you wont go far wrong.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Glencoe’s dramatic peaks, the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor, and, on a clear day, Ben Nevis in the distance. The sense of isolation and beauty here is unparalleled, making it an excellent spot for a well-earned break.
As not to many people stray past teh first viewpoint you should also have the Corbett to yourself, so soak in the solitude.
If your really lucky you might catch a Sunrise cloud inversion like I did back in January 2024.
The Descent
Option 1: Return via the same route. This out-and-back approach is straightforward and retraces your steps to Altnafeadh.
Option 2: Circular Route. For a longer adventure, descend via the eastern flank toward Kingshouse Hotel, following paths through scenic moorland. From Kingshouse, it’s a short walk along the A82 back to Altnafeadh.
Final Thoughts
Beinn a' Chrùlaiste is a gem of a peak that offers a rewarding hiking experience without the crowds often found on more popular peaks. Its combination of manageable difficulty, and stunning views, makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to explore the Highlands at their own pace.
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Know and plan the Route: Use proper hiking app (I use and recommend OS Maps) and have the route downloaded for offline use
Check the Weather: Always check the weather forecast for the specific peaks and mountain ranges you are planning on hiking. I use MWIS and Met Office
Start Early: Give yourself plenty of daylight to complete the hike.
Know Your Limits: This hike requires a good level of fitness and a head for heights.
Group Up: If possible, hike with others or consider hiring a local guide for extra safety
Wear and carry the correct kit: see below
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The correct kit and equipment are essential when hiking in Scotland.
Walking boots - my recommendation would be the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX- they are comfortable, lightweight, waterproof and for great grip and stability
Waterproof jacket and overtrousers
A layering system (wear/carry a minimum of 3 top half layers, with a 4th in winter)
GPS device with the route downloaded (or Map and compass)
Power bank and charging cable
Headtorch + First aid kit
Plenty of fluids and high-energy snacks
Gloves and a hat for cooler conditions
If it’s winter then crampons, micro spikes, and an ice axe(s) are essential alongside extra clothing. I’d also recommend walking poles and ski goggles.
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In my opinion the best way to travel around Scotland is by would be in a Campervan.
Scotland is incredibly van friendly and it will allow for the greatest flexibility alongside being cheaper and easier than booking accommodation.
Every time I have been Scotland I have travelled in a campervan. Alongside using my own VW T6 I have also used Roadsurfer who are absolutely faultless.
They have a large deport located in Edinburgh (Alongside London, Bristol and Manchester), offer unlimited milage, and have of different vehicles to choose from.
On both occasions I have travelled Scotland in a Roadsurfer vehicle I had a Couple Cottage. It was incredibly spacious and it was the perfect companion on my Scottish road trip.
Not only did it have everything I needed but it was a reasonable size, meaning it wasn’t a hassle to drive and I could actually park it in normal sized space.
The manual or automatic van can sleep two people and had everything I needed for the road trip;
Cruise control, Reversing Camera, and CarPlay
Kitchen area with a sink, two stove gas hobs, fridge, oven, and lots of storage
Wet room with hot water shower, sink and toilet
Air conditioning & Off Grid Stationary heating (powered gas or electricity)
Two up front swivel seats
Spacious living/dining room area with two fixed seats and big table
Large fixed double bed (L 1,92 m x W 1,42 m)
Midge nets and black out blinds for all windows
Awning, camping chairs, table, and kitchen utility box.
230 v Power connection and supply-battery
Pick up in Edinburgh was incredibly easy, the depot is located close to the airport and is short bus ride from the city centre.
You can get a 12 % discount off your Roadsurfer booking (5 night minimum) if you use the code: KNIGHT12 (Valid until 31/1/25)
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Glencoe offers a range of accommodation options suitable for various preferences and budgets.
Glencoe Mountain Resort: On-site café, direct access year-round activities like hiking, skiing, mountain biking and chairlift rides. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts! They have Microlodges: (Cozy, heated wooden pods for 2-4 people with power) Camping, and Motorhome Pitches with electrical hookups
Red Squirrel Campsite: Rustic campsite near the Clagaig with riverside pitches, ideal for a more natural experience. Suitable for motorhomes.
Glencoe Youth Hostel: Budget-friendly accommodation with communal facilities and close to outdoor activities.
Invercoe Caravan and Camping Park: Full hookups for motorhomes, scenic loch views, and excellent facilities.
Glencoe Camping and Caravanning Club Site: Facilities include pitches for tents and motorhomes, a shop, and amenities like showers and laundry.
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Cafés
Glencoe Mountain Resort Base Station Café : Open year-round, and serves great comfort food, including hearty breakfasts, soups, burgers, and sandwiches.
Pubs and Restaurants
Clachaig Inn: Traditional pub fare with hearty Scottish dishes, local ales, and live music on some nights. It's a favourite for hikers and climbers.
The Laroch Restaurant and Bar: Fine Modern Scottish dining with a casual vibe made with fresh, local ingredients.; a favorite for seafood.
Kingshouse Hotel: Classic Scottish dishes and pub food, with mountain views and the chance to spot deer wandering by.
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If you dont fancy a motorhome and are planning on doing a lot of camping then I would recommend renting a car.
This will be initially cheaper than renting motorhome but could end up being more expensive depending on what your sleeping arrangements will be.
If you plan on camping you can bring or buy a tent and stay in campsites or wild camp for free.
If you are booking a rental car online, I personally recommend and use Discover Cars. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal.
So there we have it, the
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