3,103 ft · Monadhliath, Scotland
Càrn Dearg
Càrn Dearg is a 3,103 ft peak in the Monadhliath, Scotland. The standard route is the Glen Banchor and Gleann Ballach: 11 mi, 2,530 ft of gain, Class 2.
Càrn Dearg at a glance
- Elevation3,103 ft945 m
- RouteGlen Banchor and Gleann BallachClass 2
- Distance11 mi2,530 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeMonadhliathScotland
Climbing the Glen Banchor and Gleann Ballach
From Newtonmore, turn off the main street onto Glen Road and follow it into open moorland to the Glen Banchor road-end car park, where the verges are soft. Walk the track west up Glen Banchor past deserted townships, then follow boggy ATV tracks up Gleann Ballach. The route becomes pathless on grassy slopes, with a short steep, loose section below the crag-top summit (Class 2). A long plateau walk links it to Carn Sgulain and A' Chailleach for the Monadhliath round. River crossings rise after rain, the moor is very wet, and navigation is demanding in cloud.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 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
- Boggy terrain
- Route-finding difficulty
- Low visibility
- Stream crossing
Quests with Càrn Dearg
MunrosPeaks near Càrn Dearg
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Càrn Dearg?
Càrn Dearg is 3,103 feet (945 m) tall. It is in the Monadhliath, Scotland.
How does Càrn Dearg rank among the Munros?
At 3,103 feet, Càrn Dearg is the 223rd highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Càrn Dearg?
The Glen Banchor and Gleann Ballach is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 11 miles with 2,530 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Càrn Dearg?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Glen Banchor and Gleann Ballach, covering 11 miles with 2,530 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Càrn Dearg?
Usually, if you are fit. The Glen Banchor and Gleann Ballach is a common first summit for hikers ready for 7 – 9 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
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