Scenery around Crianlarich

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Here are some more pictures of the scenery around Crianlarich, typical of the southern or central Highlands of Scotland. At the junction of three glens - Glen Falloch, Glen Dochart and Strath Fillan - Crianlarich is a natural route centre. It is also an important railway junction, where the West Highland line, en route for Fort William and Mallaig, meets the Oban line.

Munros around Crianlarich

Ringed by big hills, Crianlarich has a good number of Munros (Scottish mountains over 3000ft [914m]) within easy reach and these are a dominant feature of the scenery around Crinalarich. There are at least seven within five miles (eight km) to the south and east, with dozens more within a few minutes' drive. By the way, there are some more beautiful scenery pictures on this link.

(Above) Ben More is a major feature of the scenery around Crianlarich. Simply the 'big mountain' in Gaelic, it certainly feels big if you climb it from this side. You more or less relentlessly slog up by the left-hand skyline, the north side, keeping well away from the shallow corrie (hollow) seen on the face here near the top - as it can be avalanche prone.

(Above) Looking south over Crianlarich towards the mountain Cruach Ardrain. (Gaelic: stack of the high part.)

Crianlarich is an important stopping off point on the West Highland Way, running 95 miles (152km) from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William. The Way can be picked up by following the signposted path which starts on the far side of the road, opposite the station. The photograph (above) is taken on the route as it approaches Kirkton Farm, north of the main A82 and west of Crianlarich. Ben Lui (Gaelic: calf hill) is just visible on the left - sometimes described as one of the finest mountains of the Southern Highlands. By this point, the West Highland Way has emerged from thick woods - so you can see even more of the scnery around Crianlarich.

Strath Fillan and its lightly armed saint

The main road west of Crianlarich goes through Strath Fillan, taking its name from the Gaelic srath, a river plain or broad valley, and St Fillan, an early missionary from Ireland. He spread Christianity throughout the Highlands in the 7th century and built a cell by the River Fillan. The scanty remains of the later 12th-century priory founded in his name can be seen at Kirkton Farm nearby on the West Highland Way. St Fillan is associated with other places in Scotland - he hung about in a cave at Pittenweem in Fife as well. Apparently his left arm gave off its own light. This saved him a fortune in candles and enabled him to sit up all night transcribing religious material, or illuminated manuscripts perhaps.

(Above) A little further afield but still an easy touring option from Crianlarich, Glen Orchy is a pleasant alternative to the main road. As well as attractive Highland scenery, it's got walks and trails and picnic places by the river.

For more information on the area and the scenery around Crianlarich return to the other Crianlarich page. And, no, I'm not especially obsessed with the place. It's just that it's in the middle of Scotland and if you're touring you'll probably pass through and enjoy the scenery around Crianlarich.

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