3,161 ft · Cairngorms, Scotland
Carn a' Chlamain
Carn a' Chlamain is a 3,161 ft peak in the Cairngorms, Scotland. The standard route is the Glen Tilt and South Shoulder: 16 mi, 3,050 ft of gain, Class 1.
Carn a' Chlamain at a glance
- Elevation3,161 ft963 m
- RouteGlen Tilt and South ShoulderClass 1
- Distance16 mi3,050 ft gain
- Time10 – 12 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeCairngormsScotland
Climbing the Glen Tilt and South Shoulder
From Blair Atholl on the A9, follow the minor road north to Old Bridge of Tilt. Start from the Glen Tilt car park at Old Bridge of Tilt and walk the estate track up Glen Tilt past Marble Lodge to the bridge over the Allt Craoinidh. A short, steep and faint path then joins a bulldozed track that zigzags up the south shoulder, with a final stony stretch to the cairn. Class 1 on tracks almost throughout. The glen walk is long and exposed, and the upper hill is easy to misjudge in cloud. Many walkers cycle the glen track to save time, and overnight parking is not allowed at the car park.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Remote location
- Low visibility
- High winds
Quests with Carn a' Chlamain
MunrosPeaks near Carn a' Chlamain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Carn a' Chlamain?
Carn a' Chlamain is 3,161 feet (963 m) tall. It is in the Cairngorms, Scotland.
How does Carn a' Chlamain rank among the Munros?
At 3,161 feet, Carn a' Chlamain is the 192nd highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Carn a' Chlamain?
The Glen Tilt and South Shoulder is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 16 miles with 3,050 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Carn a' Chlamain?
Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the Glen Tilt and South Shoulder, covering 16 miles with 3,050 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Carn a' Chlamain?
Usually, if you are fit. The Glen Tilt and South Shoulder is a common first summit for hikers ready for 10 – 12 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Carn a' Chlamain?
The usual hiking window is May to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Carn a' Chlamain with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list