NG0892 : An Coileach

An Coileach

389m Elevation
327m Prominence
Scotland Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

Overview

An Coileach: The Hen of the Highlands

An Coileach, dignified and stout at 611 meters, reigns over the Scottish Highlands, providing a delightful experience for hikers and nature lovers alike. With a prominence of 70 meters, it may not be the tallest mountain around, but it certainly holds its own in beauty and charm.

Geology

The granite that forms An Coileach is older than some of your grandparents. This ancient rock has withstood the test of time, eroding into the magnificent shapes and forms we see today. Glaciers once danced through this region, leaving behind their artistic touches in the valley's contours.

Routes

West Highland Way Approach
  • Distance: 8.0 km
  • Time: Approx. 3 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

This route begins at the West Highland Way, offering a gentle ascent through heather and stunning vistas — a solid warm-up for your legs!

From Strontian Village
  • Distance: 6.5 km
  • Time: Approx. 2.5 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy

A delightful start from the quaint village of Strontian, this path combines local charm with the call of the mountain.

Summit Features

At the top, you'll find a sturdy stone cairn proudly standing sentinel. It's a fantastic spot for a break and perfect for those ‘look-no-hands’ redemptions over views of Loch Sunart.

Terrain Type

The terrain is a mix of grassy slopes with the occasional rocky outcrop. As you approach the summit, be prepared for a few steep sections. Remember, if you trip over a stone, blame it on the mountain's sense of humour!

Views

From the summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramas of Loch Sunart and the nearby peaks, including Mull. Spring and autumn are particularly lovely times to visit, when nature dresses itself in vibrant colours and stylish skies.

Hazards

While the hike is relatively uncomplicated, be aware of loose rocks and sudden weather changes. And if a cheeky sheep approaches, it may be scouting for your lunch!

Nearby Summits

For those keen to continue their quest, nearby peaks such as Cruach nan Capull and Meall nan Damh await your footfalls.

Access

  • Nearest Parking: Small car park at the West Highland Way trailhead.
  • Public Transport: Regular buses run from Fort William to Strontian.
  • Nearest Town: The picturesque village of Strontian is conveniently close.

Facilities

You won't go hungry here—Strontian has cafes and a shop to replenish your energy after your trek, with toilets available too.

History

The name An Coileach, or 'The Hen', hints at a history filled with local lore and stories—likely of brave hens protecting their nests amidst Highland legends. This mountain is a part of the fabric of local culture, showcasing nature's beauty intertwined with human experience.

In all, An Coileach offers a wonderful hiking experience, combining natural beauty, accessible routes, and a sprinkle of Scottish charm. Pack your best snacks, lace up your walking boots, and get ready to explore!

Happy hiking!

Explore routes near An Coileach

Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.

Berneray Community Hall to the beautiful beach

4.8 km 1h–1h 15m Easy

View route

Beautiful private beach walk Isle of Harris

2 km 25 min–35 min Easy

View route

Dun Mhulan Broch Quick Walk

5.2 km 1h 5m–1h 20m Easy

View route

Fairy Lochs Liberator Wreckage Circuit

4.9 km 1h 15m–1h 40m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.

West Highland Way approach

A scenic route starting from the West Highland Way, leading up the gradual slopes towards the summit of An Coileach. This path meanders through heather-clad hills and offers stunning views as you ascend.

8 km ~3 hours Moderate

From Strontian village

Starting from the picturesque village of Strontian, this route takes you across gentle undulations before the final push to the summit. It's a lovely way to explore the local area while climbing An Coileach.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Easy
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 300-399m hill

Elevation

389m

1,276 ft

Prominence

327m

Coordinates

57.8295, -6.9103

NG086927

OS Map

14 18

Explorer: 455

At the Summit

The summit of An Coileach is marked by a small stone cairn that offers a perfect spot for rest and photo opportunities. The panoramic views from the summit are simply breathtaking.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy slopes with rocky outcrops transitioning into steep terrain near the summit.

An Coileach is primarily composed of granite, which gives it a rugged and sturdy appearance. The eroded features and glacial valleys around the area provide a rich tapestry of natural history. The rock formations are a testament to the powerful forces of nature that sculpted this landscape over millennia.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers are treated to magnificent views of Loch Sunart, the surrounding hills, and the distant peaks of Mull. Keep an eye out for deer or even the odd golden eagle soaring above!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

An Coileach translates to 'The Hen' in Gaelic, suggesting a history steeped in local folklore and rural life.

Historical Significance

The mountain and the surrounding landscape played a role in local traditions and are celebrated in various Scottish tales, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Getting There & Facilities

Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.

Parking

There is a small parking area at the West Highland Way trailhead, approximately 1 km from the route's starting point.

Public Transport

Buses to Strontian run frequently from Fort William, making it an accessible launching point for your hiking adventure.

Nearby Facilities

Strontian offers a few cafes and a shop where you can stock up on snacks and drinks before or after your hike. Toilets are also available at the community centre.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of loose rocks near the summit and unexpected weather changes. Also, beware of the odd mischievous sheep who might try to steal your lunch!

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 An Coileach?

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

Are there other walkers around An Coileach?

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 An Coileach search or of course create your own walk for An Coileach

Can I organise a walk to An Coileach?

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 An Coileach.

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 An Coileach?

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 An Coileach 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

Location

An Coileach location map

Grid reference: NG086927

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Hills within 30 km

Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.

An Cliseam [Clisham]

800m

Ceann Reamhar na Sroine

357m

Heileasbhal Mor

384m

Ceann Reamhar

467m

Roineabhal

460m
See 5 more nearby hills

Privacy preferences

Necessary storage supports sign-in, security and your privacy choice. It is always on. Google Analytics, Mixpanel and Simple Analytics measure site usage only with your permission. Session recording is off. Rejecting analytics does not affect access.

Your choice lasts up to 180 days. If you accept analytics, a separate receipt records acceptance, the notice version and server time and is scheduled for deletion after 180 days. The receipt contains no account, IP address or browser details. Refusal and withdrawal stay in this browser. You can change your choice here at any time.

Read our privacy policy