3,049 ft · Monadhliath, Scotland
A' Chailleach
A' Chailleach is a 3,049 ft peak in the Monadhliath, Scotland. The standard route is the Allt a' Chaorainn and South Ridge: 7 mi, 2,130 ft of gain, Class 2.
A' Chailleach at a glance
- Elevation3,049 ft929 m
- RouteAllt a' Chaorainn and South RidgeClass 2
- Distance7 mi2,130 ft gain
- Time5 – 7 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonMay – Oct
- RangeMonadhliathScotland
Climbing the Allt a' Chaorainn and South Ridge
From Newtonmore, take Glen Road from the main street up to the Glen Banchor road-end car park. Follow the track north beside the Allt a' Chaorainn, cross it at a small footbridge marked by a cairn, and climb the rough path past a small bothy onto the south ridge. A line of old fence posts leads northeast to the huge summit cairn with its windshelter (Class 2). Usually paired with Carn Sgulain across a short bealach. Tussocky, boggy ground slows the lower slopes, and the rounded tops are hard to navigate in cloud. The summit is a popular short outing from Newtonmore.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 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
- Low visibility
- High winds
Quests with A' Chailleach
MunrosPeaks near A' Chailleach
Frequently asked questions
How tall is A' Chailleach?
A' Chailleach is 3,049 feet (929 m) tall. It is in the Monadhliath, Scotland.
How does A' Chailleach rank among the Munros?
At 3,049 feet, A' Chailleach is the 251st highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike A' Chailleach?
The Allt a' Chaorainn and South Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 7 miles with 2,130 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike A' Chailleach?
Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Allt a' Chaorainn and South Ridge, covering 7 miles with 2,130 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike A' Chailleach?
Usually, if you are fit. The Allt a' Chaorainn and South Ridge is a common first summit for hikers ready for 5 – 7 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 October. 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