A' Chralaig and Mullach Fraoch-choire

Summary

A Chralaig is the highest of the mountains bordering the main road to Skye. The initial ascent is a steep grind but the ridge walk onto Mullach Fraoch-choire is as fine as any in Kintail.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Strenuous hillwalk with steep terrain. There is a little very mild scrambling to reach Mullach Fraoch-choire, and some boggy going on the return.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Layby off N side of A87 below regenerating woodland.

Public Transport

Citylink buses from Glasgow and Inverness on A87 - stop at driver's discretion.

Start Grid Ref

NH087120

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 14.5km / 9 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6 - 8 hours
Ascent: 1150m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: A Chralaig
Munro: Mullach Fraoch-choire

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Walk Description

User reports (49)

Stage 1

Park in the layby on the north side of the A87, just over a kilometre east of the Cluanie Inn. Walk east for a short distance along the grass verg to the start of the signed track up through the An Caorann Mòr (about a kilometre and a half east of the Cluanie Inn). Walk up the first steep section of track; after around 50m look out for an informal path heading off on the right (cairn). From here the route makes an unrelenting and direct climb up the steep grassy slopes to the northeast. The path is clear but boggy in places and always steep, with great views back over Loch Cluanie.

Stage 2

The angle relents at about 750m where you emerge on the south ridge of A'Chralaig. Turn left along the ridge, which climbs in stages and becomes better defined as height is gained.

Stage 3

At about 1000m the ridge turns northwest and leads on towards 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, and Sgurr nan Conbhairean looking very fine to the east. b.

Stage 4

From the summit the ridge now briefly leads northwards before a short steeper rocky descent northwest and a northerly continuation down to a bealach. From the dip on the ridge, continue still with a clear path, climbing over the 1008m top where it turns once more to the right to reach another col.

Stage 5

The descent route is eventually from here, but to climb Mullach Fraoch-choire the ridge goes north once more, and narrows with a series of rocky pinnacles. The path keeps left of the crest at first, then crosses to the right of the right to bypass the most pinnacled section of ridge - the path does still have a slight scrambly bit where hands are needed. The path then climbs back to the crest and crosses to the west side once more.

Stage 6

The summit of Mullach Fraoch-Choire is a short distance beyond the difficulties. The second Munro of the day at 1102m has particularly fine views over the wild head of Glen Affric and Loch Affric, though most walkers will most enjoy looking back along the ridge to A'Chralaig.

Stage 7

From here, retreace your steps back down the path that negotiates the rocky section of ridge to head back down to the 949m bealach. Here leave the ridge by taking the path off right - this is steep and loose at first but the grassy upper reaches of Coire Odhar are soon reached.

Stage 8

Continue the descent down Coire Odhar; there is a grassy path much of the way, though it could be lost in boggier sections. The path through the glen is reached at its foot; turn left along this.

Stage 9

The very boggy path now climbs slightly over the low pass of An Caorann Mòr ahead. The pass itself is usually very wet underfoot; continue along the path to reach the end of the landrover track in the An Caorann Mòr which relieves the tedious going. Continue down this track to return to the main road.

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