Beinn a' Chlachair

Beinn a' Chlachair, at 1,087 metres, is the highest of three Munros in the remote Ardverikie Forest south of Loch Laggan, a massive whale-like ridge with steep sides on all but its southern flank, where it presents a forbidding wall to the wild Lairig beyond.

The route starts from a layby on the A86 near Luiblea, following a track over the River Spean towards Lochan na h-Earba — a walk-in of around five kilometres, often cycled by regular visitors to save time. A stalkers' path is followed for around a kilometre before crossing the Allt Coire Pitridh onto pathless, tussocky ground, heading south towards the eastern rim of Coire Mòr a' Chlachair; the ground steepens through stunted heather before easing onto a grassy plateau, with an obvious path around the corrie leading to bouldery final slopes and the large summit cairn with a windshelter, offering probably the most extensive views of the three Munros — Chnò Dearg and the Easains to the west, the remote Aonach Beag range to the south.

Most walkers continue the round to neighbouring Geal Chàrn, descending the plateau's east side to a lower top at 972 metres before a not-always-obvious path zig-zags down through crags to rejoin the stalkers' path at the bealach.

The combined round taking in all three Munros — Beinn a' Chlachair, Geal Chàrn, and Creag Pitridh — from Luiblea is around 20-24 kilometres with substantial ascent, typically eight to ten hours.

This is remote, largely pathless, and genuinely demanding terrain that requires real respect when mist descends — the vast summit plateau offers few landmarks, and the descent from Beinn a' Chlachair in particular involves steep, sometimes rocky and grassy ground where care is needed; full navigation skills are essential.

The A86 layby at Luiblea is free; there is no public transport to the start, though the walk-in track is suitable for mountain biking.