Munro · Central Highlands
A' Chraileag (A' Chralaig)
A' Chràlaig is the 1120m Munro that rises directly above the Cluanie Inn on the A87, the highest peak in the rolling country between Glen Shiel and Glen Affric. The summit is a very large cairn on a broad grassy top with views south to the Five Sisters of Kintail, north into Glen Affric, and west into the Knoydart wilderness. With 786m of prominence the hill stands clear of its neighbours and is one of the easier-to-bag of the major north-west Highland Munros.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1120m/ 3675ft
- Prominence
- 786 m
- Distance
- 18 km
- Ascent
- 986 m
- Time
- 7–10 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH094147
- Parking
- NH090118
- Nearest city
- Fort William· 41km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
Stalkers path / moorland 40% · Ridge walk 40% · Summit 20%
The standard line starts at the small lay-by on the A87 opposite the Cluanie Inn, climbing the long north-east ridge of A' Chràlaig direct from sea-level. Around 18km return with 986m of ascent. Often extended north to add Mullach Fraoch-choire for a two-Munro day, with descent via the long ridge to An Caorann Mor and back to the road. The ridge approach is on grass and small rocky steps throughout.
Terrain
No path on the lower hillside; the climb starts steep on grass directly from the road. The ridge above is broad with intermittent path, occasional rocky steps but no scrambling. The summit dome carries the huge cairn unmistakable in clear weather. The descent off the north ridge toward Mullach Fraoch-choire involves a noticeable col and re-ascent.
In winter
A serious winter Munro. The east face has avalanche risk after westerly storms. Cornicing on the north side of the summit ridge is consistent. The A87 corridor is gritted but the Cluanie lay-by ices over. Phone signal at the inn is reasonable; nothing on the hill. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
This hill is in the Creag Meagaidh SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 1m
- Edinburgh4h 30m
OS maps: OS Landranger 33
Mobile signal: Poor signal on the A87 at Cluanie Inn (limited). No reception above 600m. The Cluanie approach offers a natural stopping point for conditions checking.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:01
- Sunset
- 21:54
- Civil dawn
- 04:05
- Civil dusk
- 22:50
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from A' Chraileag (A' Chralaig).
Around A' Chraileag (A' Chralaig) on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
A' Chraileag (A' Chralaig) — common questions
- How difficult is A' Chraileag (A' Chralaig)?
- A' Chraileag (A' Chralaig) carries a 3/5 (moderately challenging) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Count on about 18km, 986m of ascent and a 7-10 hour day on the standard route. Ground conditions: No path on the lower hillside; the climb starts steep on grass directly from the road.
- How much drop does A' Chraileag (A' Chralaig) have?
- The drop is 786m: measured from the summit of A' Chraileag (A' Chralaig) down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain.
- Where's the parking for A' Chraileag (A' Chralaig)?
- Park at NH090118. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.
- What's the best month to climb A' Chraileag (A' Chralaig)?
- Aim for May, June, July, August, September, October on A' Chraileag (A' Chralaig). In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up A' Chraileag (A' Chralaig)?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone signal on A' Chraileag (A' Chralaig)?
- Poor signal on the A87 at Cluanie Inn (limited). No reception above 600m. The Cluanie approach offers a natural stopping point for conditions checking.
- Is A' Chraileag (A' Chralaig) safe in winter?
- A serious winter Munro. The east face has avalanche risk after westerly storms. Cornicing on the north side of the summit ridge is consistent. The A87 corridor is gritted but the Cluanie lay-by ices over. Phone signal at the inn is reasonable; nothing on the hill. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
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