A' Chailleach

A' Chailleach

A' Chailleach Group Walks | Join a Walk

902m Elevation
138m Prominence
Scotland Country

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Classifications

Hump Sim High Hill of Britain

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Elevation

902m

2,960 ft

Prominence

138m

Coordinates

56.6780, -4.9575

NN189579

OS Map

41

Explorer: 384

At the Summit

The summit features a distinctive stone cairn, which makes for a perfect photo opportunity. Additionally, there's a rugged plateau offering ample space for a picnic, although don’t expect a five-star Michelin experience!

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with occasional boggy patches that may test your boot's waterproof claim.

A' Chailleach is primarily composed of ancient schist and granite, making it a geological wonder with breathtaking views of surrounding valleys and peaks. The hiking trails often reveal stunning rock formations and glacial features that are millions of years old.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see the impressive peaks of Ben Nevis to the southwest, Loch Leven shimmering below, and the rugged beauty of the Glen Coe mountains.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

'A' Chailleach' translates roughly to 'the hag' in Gaelic, linking to the rich tapestry of mythology surrounding this region - a reminder that not all legendary figures need a good PR team.

Historical Significance

A' Chailleach holds not only geological significance but also cultural milestones, featuring in various local folklore as a place of pilgrimage.

Popular Routes

Beinn na Lap Route

Moderate

Starting from the village of Onich, this popular trail leads climbers through beautiful landscapes and offers scenic views along the ascent.

12 km 6 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking can be found in Onich, with a small parking area suitable for day hikers. Arrive early; it gets filled faster than a pint in a local pub!

Public Transport

Accessible via bus services from Fort William, which provide a convenient option for those opting for a more eco-friendly approach.

Nearby Facilities

In Fort William, you'll find plenty of amenities, including cafes, shops, and toilets. Perfect for grabbing a warm cup of cocoa after your adventure!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of sudden changes in weather, as the Highlands are notorious for turning from sunny to stormy faster than you can say 'nearly home'. Also, consider the potential for treacherous terrain especially in wet conditions.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up A' Chailleach?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around A' Chailleach through the maps

Are there other walkers around A' Chailleach?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for A' Chailleach search or of course create your own walk for A' Chailleach

Can I organise a walk to A' Chailleach?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to A' Chailleach.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up A' Chailleach?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to A' Chailleach here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible