Crystal Crag

From a guide originally by Isla Watson

Crystal Crag is white in appearance due to the crystalline patina covering the mica-schist. The rock was a little flakey to begin with, but now after more traffic, it is cleaner and great to climb on. The routes are well bolted and fairly graded - if you drive and walk all that way you deserve to have an enjoyable day out! The two long left hand routes up through the bulges are superb and equal in quality to a lot of foreign limestone routes. The crag is south facing, sheltered and doesn't seem to suffer from midges. It's a real suntrap, and we've had many a scorching day up there, with magnificent views up and down Loch Lomond. Best times of year to visit are spring and late autumn when the ferns are down.

Getting there

Approach via Aberfoyle/Stronachlachar to Inversnaid on east side of Loch Lomond, park in large carpark by hotel. It's about a 45 minute walk-in, 30 minutes along the West Highland Way then 15 minutes uphill, depending on the time of year (ferns, ect.).

The Routes

Described from Right to Left:

1. Far from the Malham Crowds 12m 7a **
FA Isla Watson (1999)

2. Rebel Without Applause 12m 7b *
FA Colin Miln (1998)

3. The Ruby Slippers 12m 7a *
FA Janet Horrocks (2000)

4. Roadkill Recipes 12m 6c+ *
FA George Ridge (1998)

5. Purgatory 15m 7b/+
FA Colin Miln (1998)

6. Age of Aquarius 15m 7a+ ***
FA Colin Miln (1998)

7. Fear and Self Loathing 18m 7b ***
FA Colin Miln (1998)

8. Been Caught Stealin' 18m 7c *
FA Dave Macleod (2004)