An Caisteal Mountain
Scottish mountain peak popular with hillwalkers
An Caisteal rises in the Crianlarich hills as a rocky Munro with steep ridges; hillwalkers tackle scrambles for skyline views across the Trossachs country.
An Caisteal at a Glance#
About An Caisteal#
An Caisteal is a mountain in the Crianlarich hills of the Scottish Highlands and is classified as a Munro, with a summit elevation of 995 metres. The name is Gaelic for “The Castle”.
The mountain is frequented by hillwalkers and is noted for its rocky summit ridge and steep sections on common ascent routes. It forms part of a group of peaks often climbed together by walkers in the central Highlands.
The name reflects the summit’s castellated rock shapes seen from some approaches; the hill has long been part of local hillwalking traditions rather than having a built history. Routes are straightforward hillwalks in summer but can involve exposed ground and scrambling on some sections.
An Caisteal sits in the southern part of the Scottish Highlands near the village and transport hub of Crianlarich and is within the wider mountain terrain of central Scotland.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is 995 metres, classifying it as one of Scotland’s Munros.
- Name meaning: The Gaelic name means “The Castle”, referring to the mountain’s steep rocky summit features.
How to Get to An Caisteal#
Approach by single-track roads from nearby villages in the Trossachs region or broader Scottish Highlands depending on the precise mountain; park at recommended trailheads and follow marked paths.
Tips for Visiting An Caisteal#
- The route can be boggy; choose a clear weather day and follow established paths.
- Bring a map and compass; cell reception is patchy in remote Scottish highlands.
- Start early for the best light and to avoid afternoon mists.
Best Time to Visit An Caisteal#
Best in summer for access and daylight, but weather can change fast-prepare accordingly.
Weather & Climate near An Caisteal#
An Caisteal's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -2°C to 13°C. Heavy rainfall (2825 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -1° - 2° | -7° | 357 mm | overcast | 97% | 12.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| February | Poor | -2° - 2° | -7° | 234 mm | overcast | 95% | 12.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| March | Poor | -1° - 3° | -6° | 263 mm | overcast | 93% | 10.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | 0° - 6° | -3° | 153 mm | overcast | 89% | 9.1 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.0h |
| May | Poor | 3° - 9° | 1° | 149 mm | overcast | 87% | 8.1 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.2h |
| June | Poor | 5° - 12° | 5° | 138 mm | overcast | 87% | 7.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.3h |
| July | Poor | 7° - 13° | 10° | 154 mm | overcast | 88% | 7.5 m/s | 1.0 high | 16.8h |
| August | Poor | 7° - 13° | 10° | 184 mm | overcast | 90% | 7.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 14.9h |
| September | Poor | 6° - 11° | 4° | 259 mm | overcast | 92% | 8.9 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 3° - 7° | -1° | 306 mm | overcast | 94% | 10.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.2h |
| November | Poor | 0° - 4° | -5° | 308 mm | overcast | 96% | 11.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| December | Poor | -1° - 3° | -7° | 320 mm | overcast | 97% | 11.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
