Munro · Central Highlands
An Riabhachan
An Riabhachan — "the brindled or speckled one" — is the 1129m Munro on the long Mullardoch ridge between Sgurr na Lapaich and An Socach, in the great ridge north of Loch Mullardoch. The hill is one of the longest in Scotland: a 4km undulating crest with four named tops, all linked by broad easy ridge walking. Its position deep in the Mullardoch wilderness means few visit it alone — almost always it forms part of a multi-Munro traverse with its neighbours.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1129m/ 3704ft
- Distance
- 18 km
- Ascent
- 994 m
- Time
- 7–10 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH133344
- Parking
- NH220318
- Nearest city
- Inverness
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Glen road / cycle 35% · Open hillside 30% · Ridge walk 35%
The standard line is from the Mullardoch dam at the head of Glen Cannich. Most parties tackle the four Mullardoch Munros (An Socach, An Riabhachan, Sgurr na Lapaich and Carn nan Gobhar) in one long horseshoe — around 30km with 1800m of cumulative ascent. The standalone day for An Riabhachan via Loch a' Bhuilg path and the south ridge totals 18km with 994m of climbing.
Terrain
The Mullardoch loch-shore path is rough peat and boggy in patches. The climb onto the ridge is on grass and stone with no path. The connecting ridge across An Riabhachan is broad short grass and stones — long but easy underfoot. The summit cairn is at the western of the four tops; mist-navigation across the four tops takes care.
In winter
A long winter traverse with exposed ridge sections. Cornices on the north sides of the four tops are consistent through the season. The Mullardoch dam road can be slow in heavy snow. Phone signal is absent. The full four-Munro round in winter is a major undertaking and a long daylight commitment. 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 22m
- Edinburgh4h 46m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25
Mobile signal: No signal in Strathfarrar. The locked gate ensures you are committed to the approach before any coverage is lost. Download maps at home.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:27
- Sunset
- 22:12
- Civil dawn
- 03:20
- Civil dusk
- 23:18
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from An Riabhachan.
Around An Riabhachan on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
An Riabhachan — common questions
- How hard is An Riabhachan?
- An Riabhachan is rated 5/5 (very challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 18km with 994m of ascent and takes most walkers 7-10 hours. Terrain: The Mullardoch loch-shore path is rough peat and boggy in patches.
- Where do I park for An Riabhachan?
- Standard parking is at NH220318 near Inverness. 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 Riabhachan?
- The standard good-weather months for An Riabhachan are May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 Riabhachan?
- 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 Riabhachan?
- No signal in Strathfarrar. The locked gate ensures you are committed to the approach before any coverage is lost. Download maps at home.
- Is An Riabhachan safe in winter?
- A long winter traverse with exposed ridge sections. Cornices on the north sides of the four tops are consistent through the season. The Mullardoch dam road can be slow in heavy snow. Phone signal is absent. The full four-Munro round in winter is a major undertaking and a long daylight commitment. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
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