Meall nan Ceapraichean

Meall nan Ceapraichean, at 1,081-1,088 metres, is the third Munro of the Beinn Dearg group south of Ullapool, its position forming one point of a rough triangle with Beinn Dearg and Cona' Mheall, offering good views of the famine relief wall climbing Beinn Dearg's flank.

The route starts from Inverlael on the A835, following the excellent stalkers' path up Gleann na Sguaib past Lochan Lathail. Where the path forks after climbing to the Bealach an Lochain Uaine area, the left branch heads towards Eididh nan Clach Geala for those extending the round further, but the ascent of Meall nan Ceapraichean itself typically follows after Beinn Dearg and Cona' Mheall, climbing north from the connecting bealach on stony, limestone-flecked ground with occasional outcrops of bright white quartz. The Munro Top of Ceann Garbh is reached en route, with the ridgeline followed onward to Meall nan Ceapraichean's summit, marked by a cairn.

From here, the route to Eididh nan Clach Geala descends the south-east slope back to the main path near Coire Mathair Lathail, from where the final Munro of the round is climbed via a separate stalkers' path.

The full four-Munro circuit — Beinn Dearg, Cona' Mheall, Meall nan Ceapraichean, and Eididh nan Clach Geala — from Inverlael is around 25-30 kilometres with roughly 1,700-1,900 metres of ascent, typically ten to twelve hours or more, a genuinely demanding day requiring sustained fitness and full daylight.

The connecting ridges between these summits cross largely pathless, rocky terrain — full navigation skills are essential, particularly given how easily the stony, limestone ground can disorientate in poor visibility.

Parking at Inverlael is free; there is a regular bus service between Ullapool and Inverness passing on the A835.