Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Munros
  5. A' Chailleach

3,271 ft · Northwest Highlands, Scotland

A' Chailleach

A' Chailleach is a 3,271 ft peak in the Northwest Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Sron na Goibhre: 8 mi, 2,950 ft of gain, Class 2.

A' Chailleach in the Northwest Highlands, Scotland

A' Chailleach at a glance

  • Elevation3,271 ft997 m
  • RouteSron na GoibhreClass 2
  • Distance8 mi2,950 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonMay – Sep
  • RangeNorthwest HighlandsScotland

Climbing the Sron na Goibhre

From Ullapool, take the A835 south to Braemore Junction, then the A832 west to the parking area by the gated track to Loch a' Bhraoin. Start from the Loch a' Bhraoin car park, cross the bridge at the loch outflow and follow a boggy ATV track east along the shore before climbing the steep Sron na Goibhre ridge. This Class 2 line of grass and rock leads onto the main ridge and a short walk to the summit, a fine viewpoint for An Teallach and Fisherfield. Usually combined with Sgurr Breac. The lower ground is very wet, and the steep grass is greasy after rain. Burns can be high after heavy rain.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (30–40 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Boggy terrain
  • Stream crossing
  • Slippery terrain
  • High winds

Quests with A' Chailleach

Peaks near A' Chailleach

  1. Sgùrr Breac

    Sgùrr Breac

    3,278 ft · 1.3 mi away

  2. Sgùrr nan Clach Geala

    Sgùrr nan Clach Geala

    3,586 ft · 2.9 mi away

  3. Sgùrr nan Each

    Sgùrr nan Each

    3,028 ft · 3.1 mi away

  4. Meall a' Chrasgaidh

    Meall a' Chrasgaidh

    3,064 ft · 3.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is A' Chailleach?

A' Chailleach is 3,271 feet (997 m) tall. It is in the Northwest Highlands, Scotland.

How does A' Chailleach rank among the Munros?

At 3,271 feet, A' Chailleach is the 144th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.

How hard is it to hike A' Chailleach?

The Sron na Goibhre is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 8 miles with 2,950 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike A' Chailleach?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Sron na Goibhre, covering 8 miles with 2,950 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike A' Chailleach?

Usually, if you are fit. The Sron na Goibhre is a common first summit for hikers ready for 6 – 8 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike A' Chailleach?

The usual hiking window is May to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb A' Chailleach with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list