An Teallach

Routes on An Teallach

An Teallach offers some of the most impressive ridge walking, scrambling and winter climbing in Scotland. With two Munros, dramatic pinnacles and world-class winter routes, it’s a mountain that delivers unforgettable days in any season. We can guide any of the options below, or create a bespoke itinerary to match your objectives.

The Classic An Teallach Traverse

The full An Teallach traverse is our most popular guided experience and one of the most spectacular ridge days in the Highlands. Starting from Corrie Hallie, this route takes in both Munros—Sgurr Fiona and Bidean a’ Ghlas Thuill—and includes the celebrated scrambling across The Corrag Buidhe Pinnacles.

We normally complete the traverse clockwise so that the main scrambling sections, including the well-known “bad step,” are climbed in ascent, which most people find more secure and enjoyable. The day finishes either by descending to Dundonnell or returning to Corrie Hallie.

Duration:

approx. 8–10 hours

Scrambling Grades:

Grade III direct; Grade II with some bypasses; even the easiest line is typically regarded as Grade I

Flexible Choices:

Route variations can be decided on the day, depending on conditions and group energy levels

This is an iconic Scottish mountain day with exceptional views and atmospheric ridge terrain.

The An Teallach Munros (Non-Scrambling Route)

This option is ideal for Munro baggers or anyone wishing to summit the peaks without undertaking technical scrambling. Starting from Dundonnell, we ascend both Sgurr Fiona and Bidean a’ Ghlas Thuill and return the same way, avoiding The Corrag Buidhe Pinnacles altogether.

Duration:

approx. 6–8 hours

Terrain:

Serious and remote mountain country, with two track options that give the route more of a circular feel than a pure out-and-back

Highlights:

Outstanding views over Toll an Lochain, one of Scotland’s most dramatic corries

Some parties choose to leave a vehicle at Corrie Hallie and extend the day anti-clockwise to create a variation of the full traverse.

An Teallach in Winter

In winter, An Teallach becomes a true mountaineer’s mountain—steep, dramatic and often alpine in feel. We can guide all the summer routes in full winter condition, as well as numerous gully, mixed and ice climbs across its corries.

Glas Tholl (Northern Coire)

Glas Tholl is known for holding snow well and producing reliable climbing conditions. It offers an excellent mix of accessible and harder winter lines:

• Classic gully climbs:
  • Hayfork (well-known, reliable and atmospheric)
  • North Gully, offering another straightforward option
  On wild days it is often possible to ascend one and descend the other to enjoy a safe and satisfying outing despite the weather.
• Other accessible routes:
  • “The Prongs” or one of the North Gully variations provide additional easy options when conditions are favourable, which they often are in this coire.
• Harder mixed routes: The spectacular Haystack Wall hosts steep mixed test-pieces in a dramatic location.
• Ice climbs: Ice often forms reliably at the western end of the coire.

Toll an Lochain (Southern Coire)

Toll an Lochain is one of the most dramatic corries in Scotland and offers a wealth of low to mid-grade winter routes. Despite their modest grades, the atmosphere and scale often make them feel significantly more serious.

• Classic gully climbs: Lords and Ladies gullies are both spectacular
• Mixed climbing: The top lip of the corrie beneath Lord Berkeley’s Seat harbours one of the most dramatic mixed routes in the UK—an ambitious and sought-after line that many aspire to climb but few complete.

The setting here feels more alpine than almost anywhere else in the UK.

Bespoke Routes on An Teallach

We have extensive, first-hand knowledge of An Teallach, allowing us to create bespoke routes tailored to your interests. This can include quieter tops such as Sgurr Creag an Eich, hidden viewpoints on Glas Mheall Liath, or any personal objective you may have.

If you have a specific route or idea in mind, just let us know—we’re always happy to help you design your perfect mountain day.

An Teallach Facts

How do you pronounce An Teallach?

Locally, An Teallach is pronounced with the “T” as a “ch” sound, and the ending “ach” as an “ak” sound. The emphasis being on the middle CHAL syllable. Therefore, it is pronounced, “an-CHAL-ak.

What does it mean?

An Teallach means “The Forge” in Scottish Gaelic. There are some references that it may mean ‘The Anvil’, however, it is commonly considered that “The Forge” is more likely the correct translation. Additionally, it is thought that the mountain’s name originates more from the colouring of An Teallach rather than its shape. It’s dark, grey rock closely resembling the colour of metal on a blacksmith’s forge.

Where is An Teallach Located?

It is located near the small hamlet of Dundonnel. There is a hotel here, as well as a Mountain Rescue base, but very little else. The nearest villages of any size would be Autlbea to the West (18 miles away) and Ullapool to the North (25 miles away). If you are here to do this mountain alone, either Dundonnel, Aultbea or Ullapool would be good places to locate yourself. With Ullapool being the area with the most facilities. Alternatively, we commonly recommend Gairloch as another fantastic option. Gairloch is 30 miles away, but based between An Teallach and the Torridon mountains, providing fantastic access to either. It is also a village with excellent local facilities, including a variety of hotels, pubs, shops etc. The nearest city is Inverness (approximately 60 miles away).

Can I get to An Teallach on public transport?

It is not simple to get to An Teallach without a car. The nearest airport is Inverness (approximately 60 miles away). From here you can get to the nearest train station, which is Garve, approximately 30 miles from Ullapool. Once in Garve you can get a bus to Ullapool or Braemore Junction. From either of these locations there is no public transport, but you could use a local taxi service. Alternatively, you could get the train to Achnasheen. There is a train between Inverness and Achnasheen and then there is a bus from Achnasheen to Gairloch. From Gairloch there is no public transport, however, there is a local taxi service. Either way, due to the infrequency of the train and bus, careful planning would be needed.

How long does The Traditional An Teallach Traverse take to complete?

We usually find it takes within the region of ten hours to guide An Teallach with most of our customers. Obviously, this depends on the weather, group fitness and ability. It should not be underestimated; it is definitely a big day out.

How many Munros are on An Teallach?

There are two Munros on An Teallach, Sgurr Fiona (1060m) and Bidean a Ghlas Thauill (1062m).

How many Munro Tops are there?

There are seven Munro Tops on An Teallach (please do note, these are different from Munros). They are; Sail Liath, Stob Cadha Gobhlach, Corrag Bhuidhe, Lord Berkeley’s Seat, Sgurr Creag An Eich, Glas Mheall Liath, Glas Mheall Mor.

How high is it?

The highest point is the summit of Bidein a’ Ghlas Thuill at 1062 metres.

How long is it?

According to our mapping app, Outdoor Active, the total distance of our guided An Teallach Traverse route is 16.3km

What is the total ascent?

According to our mapping app, Outdoor Active, the total amount of height gain on our guided An Teallach Traverse is 1377 metres.

Do you need a rope for An Teallach?

Yes, during your traverse on An Teallach your guide will use a rope in conjunction with harnesses to keep you safe on the scrambling sections of the route. Additionally, a helmet will be used to help protect you from any loose or falling rock. A minority of mountaineers who undertake an An Teallach traverse independently, may choose to not use a rope. This may be dependent upon their experience level, available equipment and exact route taken. However, the majority of people who complete the traverse, whether guided or independent, will use a rope, harness and helmet for safety purposes.

What grade is An Teallach?

An Teallach is a grade three scramble. A grade three scramble is generally considered to be a high level of difficulty of scrambling. Grade three scrambles generally have the following characteristics:

• Climbing movements, whereby the use of hands is required for sections.
• Sustained scrambling, whereby hands are needed for balance for long sections.
• Significant exposure.

How difficult is An Teallach?

This is a very subjective question, so there is no simple answer. Every individual will find different elements of mountaineering challenging or simple. What is easy for one person can be extremely difficult for another. However, to try and provide a general understanding, An Teallach is considered one of the most challenging mountains in Scotland. This is due to a combination of the grade of scrambling along with the overall physical demands of the day, both in regards to the total length and ascent. We often are asked to compare An Teallach to other famous mountains and scrambles throughout the UK. Therefore, we have listed some comparisons below. Please do keep in mind that since everyone is different, people’s opinions may vary.

• An Teallach is slightly harder than The Aonach Eagach Ridge, however, it is of a similar character.
• Crib Goch is significantly easier than An Teallach. The difficulty of the scrambling on Crib Goch is two grades lower.
• An Teallach is significantly harder than Striding Edge. In fact, Striding Edge would be a similar level of difficulty to the bypass path on An Teallach.
• The CMD Arete would be considered easier than An Teallach. While the CMD Arete is a physically demanding day, the scrambling is two grades lower.
• In comparison to the surrounding local mountains, An Teallach can be considered the most challenging. It is harder than Beinn Alligin, Beinn Eighe and Liathach.
• The Cuillin Ridge – A full Cuillin Ridge Traverse is certainly more challenging. However, for those familiar with the Cuillin Munros, An Teallach would be considered a similar level of difficulty to Sgurr nan Gillean.

Is there a bypass path around the scrambling sections on An Teallach?

Yes, there are multiple bypass paths around some of the sections of scrambling. Some of which simply end up as a deadend. Therefore, your An Teallach guide will know which of the bypass paths are more suitable should you prefer to use them.

It is worth being aware that the bypass paths are exposed. They can be slippery and eroded with large drops. We have customers who are understandably nervous of the scrambling on An Teallach and ask if we can guide them along the bypass to reduce the difficulty. Whilst this is something we can certainly do, please keep in mind this is still an airy and awkward path. If you are nervous of scrambling but wish to complete the An Teallach Traverse, just let us know. Our guides are very understanding and will explain the differences in the two approaches in detail, in order to help you decide on the best route for you.

How can I find out the answers to other questions I have regarding An Teallach?

Please, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you have at all. Whether you are looking to use us as your An Teallch guide or you are planning on attempting the mountain independently. We are happy to do our best to answer any questions. We also update this page regularly with any additional questions we receive.

Our Client Stories

We believe a successful day out is measured by smiles, new skills, and incredible views. We’re proud to share the feedback from clients who have achieved their goals and fallen in love with climbing and walking in this spectacular area.

Ratios and Pricing

In order to provide the highest level of experience and safety we maintain low ratios for guided ascents. Below you can see the details. All trips are considered private bookings so you will not have to worry about the pace of others and will get a trip tailored to your individual needs.