Beinn Tulaichean and Cruach Ardrain; 16 March 2024

Hard to reach but worth but the drive and the climb. After winding through some of the most picturesque lochs and mountains in the southern Trossachs, the final 45 minutes of the drive follows a one lane track to the start of the climb. Along this one lane track I stopped at Balquhidder, to see an ancient kirkyard containing the grave of Rob Roy MacGregor, a famed Highlander outlaw, Jacobite and folk hero (famously portrayed by Liam Neeson). The climb began in the little village of Inverlochlarig, tucked away in Glen Larig, surrounded by Munros on multiple sides. For most of the ascent of Beinn Tulaichean (Gaelic for ‘Hill of Hillocks’) I had a great view of the mountains to the south, until I reached the cloud line shortly before the summit. After passing the summit I descended below the clouds into the traverse between the two Munros, where I saw treated to views of Beinn A’ Chroin and An Caisteal on one side, and Stob Binnein and Ben More on the other. As I began the ascent to Cruach Ardrain (‘High Mound’ or “Stack of the High Water’ depending on the translation) I again entered the clouds, this time enjoying some light snowfall as well. From the summit of Cruach Ardrain I turned around and returned to the traverse between the Munros, before descending into the Inverlochlarig Glen that separates these Munros from Stob Binnein. I then followed the Inverlochlarig Burn (stream) back to Inverlochlarig village.

Beinn Tulaichean summit view from the Cruach Ardrain traverse

Inverlochlarig Burn as it flows into Inverlochlarig village

Ruins of Balquhidder kirk in the kirkyard where Rob Roy MacGregor is buried

Beinn A’ Chroin and An Caisteal from Beinn Tuliachean traverse

Mountain reflection in Loch Lubnaig