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The Sustainable Stop

Munro Profile 27: An Riabhachan

Region: Central Highlands – North of Loch Mullardoch
Height: 1,129m (3,704 ft)

An Riabhachan, “the streaked one,” is a rugged, multi-topped ridge rising above the northern shore of Loch Mullardoch, often approached as part of the Mullardoch Round, a mythic circuit of 12 Munros that arcs through remote glens and sculptural crests. Its summit is steep and boulder-framed, with dramatic views across Sgùrr na Lapaich, Carn nan Gobhar, and the wild folds of Glen Cannich. The terrain is remote and demanding, with long approaches and ceremonial pacing required. For campervan travellers, access begins at Mullardoch Dam, with informal staging near the loch’s eastern edge.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Mullardoch Dam track
Location: End of Glen Cannich road, west of Cannich village
Grid Reference: NH194315
Capacity: Limited; suitable for discreet daytime campervan access
Facilities: None at the trailhead; toilets and café in Cannich
Charges: Free
Overnight: Possible with discretion in roadside laybys near Glen Cannich

Alternative Options

  • Cannich: Campsite, shop, café, and community courtesy
  • Glen Affric: Wild parking and access to eastern ridges
  • Wild parking: Laybys along Glen Cannich road (check signage and terrain)

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Linear or circular route via Mullardoch Round
Distance: ~22 km round trip (4-Munro circuit) – Distance and elevation may vary depending on summit extensions and descent route.
Elevation Gain: ~1,775 metres
Terrain: Estate tracks, rocky ridges, steep descents
Time Estimate: 6.5 to 7.5 hours (circuit); 10+ hours for full round

Navigation Notes

  • Route begins at Mullardoch Dam, following estate tracks and moorland paths
  • Summit ridge includes multiple tops; careful navigation is required
  • Often linked with Sgùrr na Lapaich, Carn nan Gobhar, and An Socach
  • A map and compass are essential, and a GPS is helpful for ridge transitions and summit identification
  • Weather and visibility can dramatically affect pacing and safety

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

  • Mullardoch Dam track end offers informal access
  • Road is narrow, reverse in for easier exit

Overnight Options

  • Cannich Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
  • Wild parking: Possible in designated laybys near Glen Cannich
  • Glen Affric: Quiet overnighting with community courtesy

Fuel and Supplies

  • Cannich: Fuel station, small shop, café
  • Drumnadrochit: Larger supermarket and outdoor gear
  • Outdoor gear: Available in Inverness and Fort William

Legacy Log

  • Name origin: “An Riabhachan” means “the streaked one”
  • Summit features: Multi-topped ridge, panoramic solitude, sculptural hush
  • Known for: Mullardoch prominence, ridge linkage, and sacred pacing
  • Popular with: Wilderness pilgrims, legacy stewards, and those seeking mythic endurance

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 27 in your campervan-access series. If you’ve traced the streaked hush, paused at the ridge’s edge, or found a rhythm in Mullardoch’s sculptural folds, your reflections are welcome. Each insight helps shape the archive and supports fellow travellers.

Sources Used
These sites provide far more detailed and comprehensive overviews of the walks and Munros than I could hope to cover here:

Explore more with us:

Optional Companion Tools:

Low-cost frameworks and spirals for offline reflection and planning are available. Core content stays free.

Explore the Spiralmore Companion Tools