A Chralaig is the highest of the mountains bordering the main road to Skye. The ascent is a steep grind but the ridge walk onto Mullach Fraoch-choire is as fine as any in Kintail.
Summary
A serious hillwalk with steep terrain. There is not much scree but a little mild scrambling is needed. There is some boggy going on the return walk
Terrain
NH092121
Grid ref
13km/8 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Layby on north side of A87 beside forestry, east of Cluanie Inn
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Citilink buses from Glasgow and Inverness to Portree pass along the A87(T).
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1. Park in the layby on the north side of the A87 beside the forestry, east of the Cluanie Inn. Walk east for a short distance along the road to the start of the signposted path through the An Caorann Mor (about a kilometre and a half east of the Cluanie Inn). Drive up the first steep section of track and there is space to park on the right hand side. From here the walk begins with an unrelenting direct climb up the steep grassy slopes to the northeast. The angle relents at about 750 metres where you emerge on the south ridge of A'Chralaig.
Photo: jaml23
2. Turn left along the ridge, which climbs in stages and becomes better defined as height is gained. At about 1000 metres the ridge turns northwest and leads easily to the massive and well-built cairn on the summit of A'Chralaig (which rather puzzingly means The Basket). There is a commanding view of the whole area, with Loch Cluanie being seen full length. The ridge now briefly leads northwards before a steeper rocky descent northwest and a northerly continuation down to a col.
3. From the col the ridge, still with a clear path, crosses the 1008 metre top where it turns once more to the right to reach another col. From here the ridge goes north once more, and becomes very narrow. For part of the way the ridge crest is broken into a series of rocky towers; keen and able scramblers might cross these, but most walkers will use the clear bypass path which avoids them to the right before crossing back over the ridge and avoiding the last section to the left. Even the bypass path has one short rocky step but this shouldn't give most hillwalkers any difficulty.
4. The summit of Mullach Fraoch-Choire is a short distance beyond the difficulties. The second Munro of the day at 1102 metres has great views over the wilds at the head of Glen Affric though most walkers will most enjoy looking back along the ridge to A'Chralaig. From here, return back down the difficult section of ridge or bypass path, before leaving the ridge to the right at the col before the 1008 metre top. The ascent is on a path down steep scree at first but the grassy upper reaches of Coire Odhar are soon reached.
5. Continue the descent down Coire Odhar; it is possible to bear left slightly southwest lower down to shorten the walk back. The path through the Glen is reached at its foot; turn left along it and climb towards the low pass ahead. The pass itself is very boggy underfoot; aim for the start of the landrover track in the An Caorann Mor which relieves the tedious going. Continue down this track to return to the start.
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