A' Chralaig

A' Chralaig, at 1,120 metres, is a massive mountain and, despite being less celebrated than many of its neighbours, is actually the highest summit in Kintail — its Gaelic name puzzlingly translates as "the basket."

The route starts from a layby on the north side of the A87, just over a kilometre east of the Cluanie Inn. The initial ascent is an unrelenting slog up steep ground, the angle relenting at around 750 metres where the south ridge of A' Chralaig is gained. Turning left, the ridge climbs in stages, becoming better defined with height, before turning north-west towards the massive, well-built summit cairn — a commanding view takes in the full length of Loch Cluanie, with Sgùrr nan Conbhairean looking particularly fine to the east.

From the summit, the ridge continues north before a short, steeper rocky descent leads down to a bealach, then climbs again over a 1,008-metre top before a further descent to another col. Most walkers continue north from here onto the ridge to Mullach Fraoch-choire, which narrows into a series of rocky pinnacles requiring some very mild scrambling — widely regarded as one of the finest ridge walks in Kintail, arguably finer than A' Chralaig's own summit.

The combined round taking in both Munros from the Cluanie layby is a strenuous full day, typically seven to nine hours, with some boggy going on the return through Coire Odhar and An Caorann Mòr.

The initial ascent is a genuine grind and the connecting ridge to Mullach Fraoch-choire, while only mildly technical, demands a good head for heights on its exposed pinnacled sections — full navigation and hillwalking skills are essential throughout this high, exposed terrain.

Parking in the layby east of the Cluanie Inn is free; Citylink buses between Glasgow and Inverness run along the A87, stopping at the driver's discretion.