Cryptic crossword clue
What 17 makes, following a trail 6

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word ASCENT

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
A
S
C
E
N
T

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "What 17 makes" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case what 17 makes = ascent.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does ASCENT mean?

ASCENT noun
  1. The act of ascending; a motion upwards.
  2. The way or means by which one ascends.
  3. An eminence, hill, or high place.
  4. The degree of elevation of an object, or the angle it makes with a horizontal line; inclination; rising grade.
  5. The ascender height in a typeface.
  6. An increase, for example in popularity or hierarchy

Latest crossword clues with full explanations