Meall a' Chrasgaidh

Meall a' Chrasgaidh, at 934 metres, is one of the less distinguished Fannichs Munros, overshadowed by the much higher peaks of Sgùrr Mòr to the south-east and Sgùrr nan Clach Geala to the south — usually climbed first on the way to the latter.

The route starts from a parking area off the A832, south-west of Braemore junction, following a track past Loch a' Bhraoin before a stalkers' path and boggy ATV track lead across the Allt Breabaig. From here, the ascent to Meall a' Chrasgaidh climbs steadily, with the slope easing considerably for the final kilometre to the rather flat, unremarkable summit cairn at 934 metres.

From the summit, the route heads south to a bealach before a rising traverse leads to the lochan of Am Biachdaich on the col shared with Sgùrr nan Clach Geala, from where that mountain's fine narrowing ridge is climbed. Some walkers combine an out-and-back detour to Sgùrr Mòr from this same col before continuing to Sgùrr nan Clach Geala, adding a further Munro to an already substantial day.

The combined round taking in Meall a' Chrasgaidh, Sgùrr nan Clach Geala, and Sgùrr nan Each from the A832 is a full day, typically seven to nine hours; the ultimate epic Fannichs traverse links all nine Munros of the range in a single very long undertaking.

Though relatively straightforward in its own right, Meall a' Chrasgaidh sits within a genuinely remote range with boggy approaches and largely pathless terrain — full navigation skills remain valuable regardless of which combination of summits is attempted.

The A832 layby is free; there is no public transport directly to the start.