A' Chailleach
Good walks are even better shared.
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Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
The Glen Spean Approach
A popular and picturesque route starting from the Glen Spean area that winds through scenic glens and wooded areas before heading upwards.
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Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
929m
3,049 ft
Prominence
108m
Coordinates
57.1096, -4.1793
NH681041
OS Map
35
Explorer: OL56 402
At the Summit
The summit of A' Chailleach is crowned by a traditional stone cairn, offering a perfect spot for a well-deserved break. There’s also a spectacular view down to Loch Laggan.
Terrain & Geology
A' Chailleach is predominantly composed of schist and granitic gneiss typical of the Cairngorms. The geological processes that created these rocks date back over 400 million years, making it a fascinating study for geology enthusiasts.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Ben Nevis to the south and the vast expanse of the Great Glen.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
A' Chailleach translates to 'The Old Woman', referring to Scottish folklore around mountain spirits.
Historical Significance
A' Chailleach holds historical significance in local Scottish culture, often tied to legends and tales among the Highland communities.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
Parking is available at the Glen Spean car park (NH667022), which is well signposted along the A86.
Public Transport
The nearest train station is at Spean Bridge, approximately 5 miles away. Local bus services may operate from Fort William.
Nearby Facilities
There are no facilities on the mountain itself, but nearby Roybridge has a few cafes and public toilets.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Misty conditions can reduce visibility significantly. Be cautious of loose rocks and slippery terrain after rainfall.
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
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
Community Discussion
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Location
Grid reference: NH681041
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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