Munro · North-West Highlands
A' Chailleach
A' Chailleach (998m) is a Munro set in the country between The Fannaichs. It shares ridgeline connections with neighbouring hills, making it a natural addition to a longer day combining two or three summits. The summit, marked by a cairn on outcrop, gives views of the Minch, the Outer Hebrides and the rugged Atlantic coastline. The nearest town is Ullapool in Highland.
Quick facts
- Height
- 998m/ 3276ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 879 m
- Time
- 4.9 hrs
- Difficulty
- 5 / 5Expert
- Grid ref
- NH136714
- Parking
- NH14417124
- Nearest city
- Ullapool
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 17km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 17km with 879m of total ascent — a full day on the hill. Lower slopes cross heather moorland and rough grass, often boggy and pathless. Higher up, the terrain changes to exposed Torridonian sandstone or quartzite, increasingly rocky. Paths are often absent above the glen floor — expect rough, trackless terrain requiring confident navigation. The summit is marked by a cairn on outcrop.
Terrain
Above 700m the ground is fully exposed to weather from all directions. Paths are often absent above the glen floor — expect rough, trackless terrain requiring confident navigation. Good ridge connections to neighbouring summits make multi-hill days a natural option.
In winter
In winter, A' Chailleach is a serious proposition. Full winter conditions are common from November to April with snow, ice and fierce Atlantic winds. An ice axe and crampons are essential above 600m. At this latitude, daylight hours drop below seven in December — start early and carry a headtorch.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 3m
- Edinburgh4h 22m
OS maps: OS Landranger 19
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:45
- Sunset
- 20:52
- Civil dawn
- 05:00
- Civil dusk
- 21:37
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026