Day 5 - Crianlarich to Inverarnan, 20.3 km, 1990m ascent

Day 5 is a classic Munro day, taking in 4 (or 5) of the rough hills South of Crianlarich.  There are good paths on the usual routes up the munros, but in between, is rough, craggy terrain. The day could be lengthened by  carrying on to wild camp before Ben Vorlich and this also has the benefit of shortening what is otherwise quite a long final day.

Large forestry roads climb through the forest above Crianlarich, but these eventaully have to be abandonned for a steep pull up to Grey Height. A good path traces the ridge to Cruach Ardrain, ending a long way right on the South Ridge. Its possible to make a short-cut but this is steep. The main path goes South East to Beinn Tulachain which can be included if Munro bagging is your thing. Otherwise, descend to Stob Glas, taking care to avoid rocky outcrops. This is wild, craggy terrain which is devoid of good paths and can be confusing in the mist. Ensure that you pass to the East of the next crag - Stob Glas Bheag - before traversing below the crag to reach the next col. Make your way up to the North Ridge of Beinn a Chroin where the main Munro track is joined. This obvious path is followed all the way to An Caisteal, before picking your way down trackless ground to the next col and on to the next summit of Beinn Chabhair. 

 

Wild country descending Cruach Ardrain

The on-off theme is continued as you join the main Munro path to descend to Inverarnan.  A boggy track goes all the way to Beinn Ghlas Farm where you re-join the mayhem of the West Highland Way.