Meall a' Chrasgaidh
934m
Ullapool
“Hill of the Crossing”
934mHeight
22.2kmRound trip
9.2–12hWalk time
HardDifficulty 4/5
Photo: GeographBot · CC BY-SA 2.0
Overview
About this Munro
Meall a' Chrasgaidh is a 934m Munro in the Ullapool region, its Gaelic name meaning “hill of the crossing”. It stands 244th of the 282 Munros by height. The usual ascent — Fannichs (east/central) from Loch a' Bhraoin — is a 22.2km round trip taking 9.2–12 hours, rated hard (4/5).
Plan your day
Routes & Navigation
There is 1 route to the summit of Meall a' Chrasgaidh, covering 22.2km.
Route preview
Fannichs (east/central) from Loch a' Bhraoin
Hard9.2–12h round trip22.2km distance↑747m ascent
Bog ratingBoggy
ParkingLoch a' Bhraoin
Step-by-step guideIn the app
Climbing Meall a' Chrasgaidh
Meall a' Chrasgaidh rises to 934 metres in the remote Ullapool region, its name meaning 'Hill of the Crossing'. This…
Climbing Meall a' Chrasgaidh
Meall a' Chrasgaidh rises to 934 metres in the remote Ullapool region, its name meaning 'Hill of the Crossing'. This…
Meall a' Chrasgaidh rises to 934 metres in the remote Ullapool region, its name meaning 'Hill of the Crossing'. This demanding Munro requires serious commitment, with the Fannichs circuit from Loch a' Bhraoin covering 22.2 kilometres over 9 to 12 hours. The difficulty is rated 4 out of 5, with challenging bog levels of 4 out of 5, meaning you'll spend considerable time negotiating wet, pathless terrain approaching Meall a' Chrasgaidh.
The mountain is commonly climbed as part of a wider Fannich circuit, rarely as a single objective, which adds to the seriousness and demands stamina for a long day in the hills. The terrain is rough and often boggy, particularly in the approach sections, with limited path development to ease passage. The ascent of Meall a' Chrasgaidh involves sustained effort across tussocky moorland before gaining the ridge systems that characterise the Fannichs.
The upper slopes are more open but remain exposed to the weather systems that sweep across this western region. Navigation requires care, particularly in poor visibility which is common on Meall a' Chrasgaidh, as the ridges and broad slopes can be featureless.
Best Time to Climb Meall a' Chrasgaidh
Given the length and difficulty of approaches to Meall a' Chrasgaidh, this mountain should only be attempted during the…
Best Time to Climb Meall a' Chrasgaidh
Given the length and difficulty of approaches to Meall a' Chrasgaidh, this mountain should only be attempted during the…
Given the length and difficulty of approaches to Meall a' Chrasgaidh, this mountain should only be attempted during the long daylight hours of late spring through early autumn, ideally from May to September. The 9 to 12-hour time requirement demands maximum daylight, and attempting Meall a' Chrasgaidh outside these months would be extremely challenging and potentially dangerous.
The western location in the Ullapool region means the mountain receives the full force of Atlantic weather systems, with frequent rainfall and rapidly changing conditions. The high bog levels mean the ground is often wet even during drier spells, though summer offers the firmest conditions you're likely to encounter on Meall a' Chrasgaidh.
At 934 metres, the summit sits well into the zone where weather can be harsh even when the glens are pleasant, with summit temperatures often significantly lower than at the trailhead. Cloud frequently covers the Fannich peaks including Meall a' Chrasgaidh, making navigation challenging.
Check the mountain forecast carefully and be prepared to postpone if conditions are marginal, as the long, committing nature of the route allows few escape options once you're committed to the Meall a' Chrasgaidh circuit.
Getting to Meall a' Chrasgaidh
Access to Meall a' Chrasgaidh begins at Loch a' Bhraoin, reached via a minor road that branches from the A832 Ullapool…
Getting to Meall a' Chrasgaidh
Access to Meall a' Chrasgaidh begins at Loch a' Bhraoin, reached via a minor road that branches from the A832 Ullapool…
Access to Meall a' Chrasgaidh begins at Loch a' Bhraoin, reached via a minor road that branches from the A832 Ullapool to Garve road. The access road is single-track and remote, requiring careful driving with attention to passing places. Parking at Loch a' Bhraoin is limited and informal, so arrive early and park considerately without blocking access.
The location is approximately 45 minutes from Ullapool and about two hours from Inverness, taking you deep into the western Highlands. The remote nature means there are no facilities at the trailhead—the nearest services are in Ullapool, so ensure you're fully provisioned before setting out for Meall a' Chrasgaidh.
Mobile phone signal is virtually non-existent in this area, so inform someone of your plans and expected return time, which should account for the long hours required. The access road can be affected by severe weather, and in winter conditions it may become impassable. The drive itself is scenic, taking you through quintessential Highland landscape, but the remoteness means you must be self-sufficient once you leave Ullapool behind to tackle Meall a' Chrasgaidh.
Meall a' Chrasgaidh Summit
The summit of Meall a' Chrasgaidh at 934 metres sits among the Fannich peaks, offering expansive views across a remote…
Meall a' Chrasgaidh Summit
The summit of Meall a' Chrasgaidh at 934 metres sits among the Fannich peaks, offering expansive views across a remote…
The summit of Meall a' Chrasgaidh at 934 metres sits among the Fannich peaks, offering expansive views across a remote wilderness. The cairn marks a hard-won achievement after the long, boggy approach and sustained climbing required to reach this mountain. On clear days, the panorama takes in the surrounding Fannichs and extends across the wild landscape of the western Highlands, with few signs of human habitation visible.
However, the exposed nature of Meall a' Chrasgaidh means the summit often sits in cloud, and the broad, featureless character of the top requires careful navigation in poor visibility. There's no natural shelter from the wind, which often blows strongly at this altitude, so even on warm days you'll need windproof layers on Meall a' Chrasgaidh. The summit provides a perfect vantage point for appreciating the scale and remoteness of this region.
However, reaching the top of Meall a' Chrasgaidh typically represents only part of the Fannich circuit, so you must manage your time and energy carefully, ensuring you have sufficient reserves for the remainder of the day and the long return through demanding terrain.
Wildlife on Meall a' Chrasgaidh
The remote approaches to Meall a' Chrasgaidh support rich Highland wildlife and distinctive flora adapted to the wet,…
Wildlife on Meall a' Chrasgaidh
The remote approaches to Meall a' Chrasgaidh support rich Highland wildlife and distinctive flora adapted to the wet,…
The remote approaches to Meall a' Chrasgaidh support rich Highland wildlife and distinctive flora adapted to the wet, western conditions. The extensive bog systems approaching the mountain are habitat for sphagnum mosses, cotton grass, and insectivorous plants including sundews and butterworts. Red deer are common throughout the Fannichs, and you're likely to encounter them on the slopes of Meall a' Chrasgaidh.
Golden eagles hunt across these wild hills, and spotting one soaring above the ridges adds immeasurably to the mountain experience. The lower slopes support typical Highland vegetation with heather, bilberry, and crowberry, while the wetter areas feature extensive bog communities. At higher elevations around Meall a' Chrasgaidh, the vegetation transitions to montane heath with hardy grasses and sedges.
Red grouse inhabit the heather moorland at lower levels, and their distinctive calls may accompany your approach. Meadow pipits are abundant in summer, and wheatears nest among the rocks. Mountain hares may be encountered on the higher slopes, and ravens are common throughout the area. The western location and high rainfall create lush moss and lichen growth, adding texture and colour to the landscape around Meall a' Chrasgaidh.
Meall a' Chrasgaidh Tips
The demanding and remote nature of Meall a' Chrasgaidh requires meticulous preparation and significant mountain…
Meall a' Chrasgaidh Tips
The demanding and remote nature of Meall a' Chrasgaidh requires meticulous preparation and significant mountain…
The demanding and remote nature of Meall a' Chrasgaidh requires meticulous preparation and significant mountain experience. Navigation skills are absolutely essential—carry map, compass, and GPS, and be thoroughly confident using them, as the featureless terrain and frequent poor visibility on Meall a' Chrasgaidh demand expert navigation.
The extreme bog level of 4 out of 5 means waterproof boots and gaiters are essential, and trekking poles are invaluable for maintaining stability through the extensive wet sections. Carry sufficient food and water for 9 to 12 hours of sustained effort, packing more than you think you'll need. Despite stream crossings where refilling is possible, extra supplies provide security on this long day.
Mobile phone signal is non-existent, so leave detailed plans with someone responsible, including your intended route and expected return time. Pack full waterproofs, multiple warm layers, hat, gloves, and emergency shelter even in summer, as weather on Meall a' Chrasgaidh can be severe. Start very early to maximise daylight and allow for slower-than-expected progress through the boggy terrain.
This is emphatically not a mountain for novices—you should have extensive experience of long, remote mountain days before attempting Meall a' Chrasgaidh.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about climbing Meall a' Chrasgaidh.
How tall is Meall a' Chrasgaidh?
Meall a' Chrasgaidh stands at 934 metres (3,064 feet), making it the 244th tallest of all 282 Munros in Scotland.
What does Meall a' Chrasgaidh mean in Gaelic?
The name Meall a' Chrasgaidh translates from Scottish Gaelic as “Hill of the Crossing”.
How long does it take to climb Meall a' Chrasgaidh?
Climbing Meall a' Chrasgaidh typically takes between 9.2 and 12 hours round trip. This varies with fitness, weather, and the route chosen.
Where do I park for Meall a' Chrasgaidh?
There is dedicated parking at the standard starting point for the main route up Meall a' Chrasgaidh, in the Ullapool area. The exact car park location, map pin and arrival guidance are in the free Munros app.
How difficult is Meall a' Chrasgaidh to climb?
Meall a' Chrasgaidh is rated Hard (difficulty 4/5).
What is the best route up Meall a' Chrasgaidh?
The most popular route up Meall a' Chrasgaidh covers 22.2km, 9.2–12 hours round trip.
Is Meall a' Chrasgaidh good for beginners?
Meall a' Chrasgaidh (difficulty 4/5 at 934m) is best suited to experienced hillwalkers in the Ullapool area. Expect sustained steep terrain and the need for confident navigation in poor visibility.
What region is Meall a' Chrasgaidh in?
Meall a' Chrasgaidh is in the Ullapool region of Scotland. Nearby Munros include A' Chailleach (Fannichs), A' Mhaighdean, Am Faochagach.