Munro · North-West Highlands
An Coileachan
An Coileachan (923m) — "the little cock" — is the easternmost Munro of the Fannaichs, a flattish heathery summit with an impressive corrie face dropping north into Garbh Choire Mor above Loch Gorm. The hill marks the end of the long Fannaich ridge that begins at Meall Gorm. Often paired with Meall Gorm as the easier two of the seven Fannaich Munros.
Quick facts
- Height
- 924m/ 3031ft
- Distance
- 16 km
- Ascent
- 813 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH241680
- Parking
- NH272745
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 48km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Moorland path 35% · Open hillside 45% · Summit 20%
Park at the lay-by near Loch Glascarnoch on the A835 and follow the indistinct path south crossing the moor to Loch Gorm. Climb the steep grassy north-east shoulder of An Coileachan to the summit. Most parties continue west over Meall Gorm before descending. Around 17km return with 950m of ascent for the pair.
Terrain
The moorland approach from Loch Glascarnoch is wet and tussocky with intermittent path. The north-east shoulder rises in a long uniform slope of grass and broken rock. The summit is a flat rocky platform with a cairn at the cliff edge above Garbh Choire Mor.
In winter
A long open winter approach across exposed moor. The Garbh Choire Mor face holds substantial cornices and wind-loaded slab on northerly aspects. SAIS Northern Highlands forecasts cover the Fannaichs. The A835 stays gritted but Loch Glascarnoch funnels strong gale-force winds across the parking area.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 57m
- Edinburgh4h 12m
OS maps: OS Landranger 20
Mobile signal: No signal above 700m. Garve has reasonable coverage. Download maps before leaving the main road.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:24
- Sunset
- 22:14
- Civil dawn
- 03:15
- Civil dusk
- 23:22
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from An Coileachan.
Around An Coileachan on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
An Coileachan — common questions
- How hard is An Coileachan?
- An Coileachan is rated 5/5 (very challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 16km with 813m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-9 hours. Terrain: The moorland approach from Loch Glascarnoch is wet and tussocky with intermittent path.
- Where do I park for An Coileachan?
- Standard parking is at NH272745 near Ullapool. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb An Coileachan?
- The standard good-weather months for An Coileachan are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up An Coileachan?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on An Coileachan?
- No signal above 700m. Garve has reasonable coverage. Download maps before leaving the main road.
- Is An Coileachan safe in winter?
- A long open winter approach across exposed moor. The Garbh Choire Mor face holds substantial cornices and wind-loaded slab on northerly aspects. SAIS Northern Highlands forecasts cover the Fannaichs. The A835 stays gritted but Loch Glascarnoch funnels strong gale-force winds across the parking area.
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