3,199 ft · Cairngorms, Scotland
Càrn a' Gheòidh
Càrn a' Gheòidh is a 3,199 ft peak in the Cairngorms, Scotland. The standard route is the Carn nan Sac Ridge: 6 mi, 1,480 ft of gain, Class 1.
Càrn a' Gheòidh at a glance
- Elevation3,199 ft975 m
- RouteCarn nan Sac RidgeClass 1
- Distance6 mi1,480 ft gain
- Time4 – 6 hrsEasy effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeCairngormsScotland
Climbing the Carn nan Sac Ridge
From Braemar or Blairgowrie, take the A93 to the Cairnwell Pass. Start from the Glenshee Ski Centre car park (parking charge, cafe and toilets) and climb the ski tracks west to the bealach below The Cairnwell. Follow the path over Carn nan Sac and past small lochans along the broad ridge to the summit. Class 1 on clear paths, with some boggy patches around the lochans. The ridge is open and easy to lose in cloud, so carry a map. Usually combined with Carn Aosda and The Cairnwell on a short three-Munro round from the pass.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 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
- Low visibility
- Boggy terrain
- High winds
Quests with Càrn a' Gheòidh
MunrosPeaks near Càrn a' Gheòidh
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Càrn a' Gheòidh?
Càrn a' Gheòidh is 3,199 feet (975 m) tall. It is in the Cairngorms, Scotland.
How does Càrn a' Gheòidh rank among the Munros?
At 3,199 feet, Càrn a' Gheòidh is the 180th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Càrn a' Gheòidh?
The Carn nan Sac Ridge is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 6 miles with 1,480 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Càrn a' Gheòidh?
Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Carn nan Sac Ridge, covering 6 miles with 1,480 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Càrn a' Gheòidh?
Usually, if you are fit. The Carn nan Sac Ridge is a common first summit for hikers ready for 4 – 6 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Càrn a' Gheòidh?
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 Càrn a' Gheòidh 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