A'Chralaig and Mullach Fraoch-choire

I thought the forecast was against me as I pulled up along Loch Cluanie in a snow shower. Even as I trudged up the steep side of the hill every summit I could see was in cloud, everything looked ominously grey, it wasn't supposed to be like this, not today. I could just see under the cloud towards The Ben, it looked clear over there, perhaps I'd just chosen the wrong hill.

And then I pulled over to the ridge and it was a glorious day, still grey and miserable to the south and west but brilliant blue skies covered the route ahead.

I soon covered the broad ridge up to the first Munro, A'Chralaig, and on to the second where things got a bit more interesting. After a short rocky descent the ridge continues for 1 1/2 km where it narrows sweeps to the north.

I'd read that it was an interesting scramble in summer but could be a different story in winter. It must have looked a bit more interesting as I actually took the camera from round my neck and put it away. The ridge continued past some rocky pinnacles that could be by-passed, at least I thought they could until I ended up on top of one, and then the next. Apparently there is a path around them, but I couldn't make it out under the snow, both sides looked pretty steep to me.


I eventually managed to scramble over the pinnacles but did have to do abit of it à cheval because I dare not stand up on the top of the largest pinnacle. The final summit is not far passed the difficulties, a few deep breaths and I soon regained my composure.

I read two route descriptions before I set off, both said retrace your steps, not a chance, maybe in summer when you can see the path! I headed north east to the next minor top and then headed down to the west.

--Matt