A' Chralaig

One of two mountains (the other being Mullach Fraoch-choire) which are the high points on an 8-kilometre long ridge between the west end of Loch Cluanie and Glen Affric. The southern slopes of A'Chralaig rise steeply from Loch Cluanie and give the impression of a long climb to reach the summit ridge. Mullach Fraoch-choire is a more interesting peak, and the best part of the traverse between the two is the ascent of its south ridge, which is quite narrow and has some small rocky teeth near the summit. The east side of both peaks forms a series of corries above Gleann na Ciche, an offshoot of Glen Affric.

Both mountains can be climbed from the west end of Loch Cluanie near Cluanie Inn, and it is also possible to climb Mullach Fraoch-choire from Glen Affric by a much longer route. The route from Loch Cluanie starts at the foot of the track up An Caorann Mor and goes north-east directly up the grassy slopes of A'Chralaig , a steep climb of 500 metres to reach the end of the south ridge. Continue along it to the summit. Traverse north along a broad ridge for 2 kilometres, finishing up the narrower section to the summit of Mullach Fraoch-choire. The return to Loch Cluanie can be shortened by descending west into Coire Odhar and going along the path down An Caorann Mor.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)