A'Chailleach

Check out this 6.5-mile out-and-back trail near Newtonmore, Highlands. Generally considered a challenging route. This trail is great for camping, hiking, and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. A’Chailleach is one of the four Monadhliath Munros in the Cairngorms National Park, which include Càrn Dearg, Càrn Sgulain, Geal Chàrn, and A’Chailleach. The trail starts from a parking area at the end of Glenbanchor Road, where you’ll join the path leading you along the edge of a woodland section, continuing by following the Allt a’ Chaorainn. You’ll eventually cross the stream via a footbridge and continue on a smaller path past Red Bothy. The trail up to A’Chailleach involves navigating your way across a boggy area, and the path is rough for most of the way up. Ascend to the shoulder first before continuing to the summit of A’Chailleach, which is marked by a large cairn. Once you’ve had your fill of the magnificent views, follow the same route back down. Those interested could also extend this route to visit another of the Monadhliath Munros, Carn Sgulain, situated just north of A’Chailleach. Come prepared with the appropriate footwear to navigate this trail's rough, boggy, and steep terrain, and make sure to download the map beforehand. Be prepared for potentially windy conditions at the peaks. This route is best done in good weather, as ice, high winds, snow, and rain make the trail significantly more challenging.