3,392 ft · Central Highlands, Scotland
Càrn Dearg
Càrn Dearg is a 3,392 ft peak in the Central Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Northeast Ridge from Culra: 23 mi, 3,900 ft of gain, Class 2.
Càrn Dearg at a glance
- Elevation3,392 ft1,033 m
- RouteNortheast Ridge from CulraClass 2
- Distance23 mi3,900 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysHard effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeCentral HighlandsScotland
Climbing the Northeast Ridge from Culra
From the A9, head into Dalwhinnie and park near Dalwhinnie station. Start from Dalwhinnie station, cross the railway and follow the estate track along Loch Ericht, then past Loch Pattack to the former Culra bothy site, now closed. From Culra, climb steep heather northwest to the northeast shoulder, where a path leads onto the grassy summit ridge and its large cairn. The route is Class 2. Usually combined with Geal-Charn, Aonach Beag and Beinn Eibhinn. A mountain bike makes a single day possible, otherwise camp near Culra. Stalking runs from mid-August to October, so follow estate guidance.
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
- Stream crossing
Quests with Càrn Dearg
MunrosPeaks near Càrn Dearg
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Càrn Dearg?
Càrn Dearg is 3,392 feet (1,033 m) tall. It is in the Central Highlands, Scotland.
How does Càrn Dearg rank among the Munros?
At 3,392 feet, Càrn Dearg is the 98th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Càrn Dearg?
The Northeast Ridge from Culra is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 23 miles with 3,900 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Càrn Dearg?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Northeast Ridge from Culra, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Càrn Dearg?
The Northeast Ridge from Culra needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard trip: 23 miles with 3,900 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Càrn Dearg?
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 Dearg 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