An Stùc

An Stùc, at 1,118 metres, is widely regarded as the finest peak in the Ben Lawers range, only promoted to full Munro status in 1997 after decades of controversy over its exact height relative to neighbouring Meall Garbh.

Reached from Meall Garbh via a bealach, the path zig-zags steeply up An Stùc's flank without difficulty until it enters an ill-defined, loose, and eroded gully — technically around a Grade 1 scramble, this is not usually a serious problem but can become genuinely slippery when wet, and difficult in winter conditions. Climbing out of the gully's left-hand side as soon as possible reaches notably better ground. An alternative to avoid the gully altogether contours across the mountain's north face below crags to gain the north ridge, said to be considerably easier in summer though less well established as a route. The cairned summit, reached with some relief by most walkers, offers a superb table-top view.

From An Stùc, a good path descends the south side to the Bealach Dubh, from where walkers face a decision: continue up the straightforward path to Ben Lawers itself — many reaching the summit in just 30 to 40 minutes — or descend steeply east into Ravens Gully towards Lochan nan Cat to complete the horseshoe back to the start.

The full circuit taking in Meall Greigh, Meall Garbh, and An Stùc from the Lawers Hotel car park is around 17 kilometres, typically six to eight hours; adding Ben Lawers extends the day further but many find the easier descent from Lawers preferable to the steep, tired-legged drop to Lochan nan Cat.

The gully scramble on An Stùc is the technical crux of the entire Lawers range and demands genuine care, particularly descending it — most experienced parties strongly prefer to climb it rather than descend, and it should not be attempted in poor conditions or by those without scrambling experience.

The Ben Lawers Hotel car park is chargeable; there is no other public transport directly to the start.