“The Little Cock”
An Coileachan is a 923m Munro in the Ullapool region, its Gaelic name meaning “the little cock”. It stands 265th of the 282 Munros by height. The usual ascent — Eastern Fannichs from Dirrie Mòr — is a 30.1km round trip taking 9.5–12.4 hours, rated hard (4/5).
There is 1 route to the summit of An Coileachan, covering 30.1km.
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Unlock with Munros+An Coileachan forms part of the Eastern Fannichs circuit from Dirrie Mòr, one of Scotland's most demanding single-day…
An Coileachan forms part of the Eastern Fannichs circuit from Dirrie Mòr, one of Scotland's most demanding single-day Munro expeditions. At 923 metres, this mountain is typically climbed alongside multiple neighbouring peaks, creating a marathon 30-kilometre route that requires serious stamina and commitment. The terrain is pathless for much of the approach to An Coileachan, with bog-ridden ground testing your energy reserves long before you reach the mountain itself.
The difficulty rating of 4/5 reflects both the physical challenge and the navigational demands. Expect to be out for 9.5-12.4 hours on this route, and the bog level of 4/5 means wet, energy-sapping conditions underfoot throughout much of the day. An Coileachan demands respect—this is remote hillwalking at its most serious.
The length and complexity of the Eastern Fannichs route containing An Coileachan means this is strictly a long-day…
The length and complexity of the Eastern Fannichs route containing An Coileachan means this is strictly a long-day summer undertaking for most walkers. June and July offer the maximum daylight, with nearly 18 hours between sunrise and sunset at this latitude—essential when you're facing a 12-hour expedition. Even in midsummer, an alpine start is advisable.
The Ullapool region receives heavy rainfall, and the high bog rating means An Coileachan's approaches remain wet even after dry spells. Autumn can offer stable weather and fewer midges, but shortening days make the long circuit increasingly marginal. Winter ascents require full winter mountaineering skills and are only for the most experienced parties.
Weather forecasts must be carefully studied, and you should be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate—there are limited escape options once committed to the circuit.
The starting point for An Coileachan is the Loch Glascarnoch Layby on the A835 northwest of Garve. This major route to…
The starting point for An Coileachan is the Loch Glascarnoch Layby on the A835 northwest of Garve. This major route to Ullapool provides reasonable road access year-round, though winter conditions can occasionally affect the higher sections of the road. The layby offers limited parking, and on busy summer weekends, spaces may be at a premium.
Loch Glascarnoch is approximately 40 kilometres northwest of Garve and around 30 kilometres southeast of Ullapool, making it accessible from both Inverness and the west coast. The remote nature of the area means you should fuel up and gather supplies before leaving larger settlements. Mobile phone coverage is sparse, so inform someone of your plans and expected return time before setting out for An Coileachan.
Standing at 923 metres, the summit of An Coileachan—'The Little Cock'—provides a welcome milestone on the demanding…
Standing at 923 metres, the summit of An Coileachan—'The Little Cock'—provides a welcome milestone on the demanding Eastern Fannichs traverse. The top is marked by a cairn, offering a brief respite and a chance to refuel before continuing the circuit. From An Coileachan's summit, you'll appreciate the scale of the Fannichs range stretching around you, a reminder of both the achievement and the distance still to cover.
The summit area offers little shelter from the prevailing winds that sweep across these exposed peaks. On clear days, the views extend across the wild landscape of Wester Ross, but visibility can rapidly diminish as weather systems race in from the Atlantic. The rocky summit provides better footing than the boggy approaches, making it a good place to pause, but don't linger too long—you have many more kilometres ahead on this epic route.
The remote Fannichs region surrounding An Coileachan supports some of Scotland's finest mountain wildlife. The extensive…
The remote Fannichs region surrounding An Coileachan supports some of Scotland's finest mountain wildlife. The extensive bogs and wet heathland on the lower slopes provide important breeding habitat for dunlin and golden plover, whose haunting calls accompany you through the wettest sections. Red deer are abundant in these hills, and you may encounter herds moving across the mountainsides.
As you climb towards An Coileachan's 923-metre summit, montane heath takes over, with mat-grass and stiff sedge communities adapted to the exposure and poor soils. Above 800 metres, only alpine specialists survive—look for cushion plants like moss campion wedged into rock crevices. Golden eagles patrol these remote mountains, and you may spot one soaring above the ridges.
The wetter western location of An Coileachan means lush moss growth wherever moisture gathers, adding to the challenging underfoot conditions but creating valuable bryophyte habitats.
The Eastern Fannichs route containing An Coileachan is not to be underestimated—this 30-kilometre, 9.5-12.4 hour…
The Eastern Fannichs route containing An Coileachan is not to be underestimated—this 30-kilometre, 9.5-12.4 hour expedition is one of Scotland's toughest single-day Munro rounds. Your navigation must be flawless; the pathless terrain and high bog levels mean progress will be slower than map-distance suggests. Carry full emergency kit including bivvy bag, extra food, and clothing—if you're benighted or injured, help is hours away.
Water is essential despite the wet ground; carrying 2-3 litres is advisable given the length of the day, or bring purification capability to use mountain streams. The bog level of 4/5 means waterproof boots and gaiters are mandatory. Phone signal is non-existent for much of the route, so GPS navigation or downloaded maps on your phone are valuable backups to map and compass.
Check the weather forecast meticulously and be realistic about your fitness—An Coileachan demands respect and experience.
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Common questions about climbing An Coileachan.
An Coileachan stands at 923 metres (3,028 feet), making it the 265th tallest of all 282 Munros in Scotland.
The name An Coileachan translates from Scottish Gaelic as “The Little Cock”.
Climbing An Coileachan typically takes between 9.5 and 12.4 hours round trip. This varies with fitness, weather, and the route chosen.
There is dedicated parking at the standard starting point for the main route up An Coileachan, in the Ullapool area. The exact car park location, map pin and arrival guidance are in the free Munros app.
An Coileachan is rated Hard (difficulty 4/5). In practice that means long, steep, rough ground where confident footwork and navigation matter.
The most popular route up An Coileachan covers 30.1km, 9.5–12.4 hours round trip.
No — An Coileachan (difficulty 4/5 at 923m) is best suited to experienced hillwalkers in the Ullapool area. Expect sustained steep terrain and the need for confident navigation in poor visibility.
An Coileachan is in the Ullapool region of Scotland. Nearby Munros include A' Chailleach (Fannichs), A' Mhaighdean, Am Faochagach.
Step-by-step directions, GPS navigation, exact parking and offline maps for An Coileachan — free in the Munros app.
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