Cnapan Nathraichean

About Cnapan Nathraichean

Serving as a rocky outrider to the pink granite of Mullach nan Coirean, this 824-metre 'Lump of the Adders' is a Mamores highlight. It provides a front-row seat to Ben Nevis’s southern flanks, allowing you to enjoy the view without the congestion of a summit queue.

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Did You Know?

• •The name translates from Gaelic as 'Hill of the Adders,' identifying it as a historic basking spot for the UK’s only venomous snake. It sits on the southern ridge of Mullach nan Coirean, acting as a gateway to the western Mamores.
• •The hill is largely composed of Mullach nan Coirean granite, a distinctively pink rock that separates it from the grey quartzite found elsewhere in the range. This geological quirk gives the summit a rosy glow that is particularly striking at sunset.
• •From the top, you get an uninterrupted view of Ben Nevis across the deep trench of Glen Nevis. It’s an ideal spot for photographing the UK's highest mountain without having to fight through the crowds on its actual peak.
• •It is officially classified as a Graham Top, a peak that is high enough to be significant but just low enough to be ignored by status-obsessed Munro-baggers. This ensures the summit remains a sanctuary for those who value peace over lists.
• •Despite the menacing name, you are significantly more likely to be taken out by a hidden peat bog than by an actual snake on these slopes. One wrong step usually results in a 'boot-full' of Highland soup that no amount of expensive Gore-Tex can survive.