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.
So there we have it, the
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For more hiking inspiration check out my other guides below