3,881 ft · Western Highlands, Scotland
Càrn Eige
Càrn Eige is a 3,881 ft peak in the Western Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the East Ridge via Gleann nam Fiadh: 13 mi, 4,270 ft of gain, Class 2.
Càrn Eige at a glance
- Elevation3,881 ft1,182 m
- RouteEast Ridge via Gleann nam FiadhClass 2
- Distance13 mi4,270 ft gain
- Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeWestern HighlandsScotland
Climbing the East Ridge via Gleann nam Fiadh
From Cannich on the A831, take the minor road into Glen Affric along Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin. Start from the Chisholme Bridge car park and follow the hydro track and path up Gleann nam Fiadh, then climb steeply onto the long east ridge. The ridge crosses several tops and a short rocky section with small pinnacles; the easy Class 2 scrambling can be bypassed. Usually combined with Mam Sodhail and Beinn Fhionnlaidh on a round finishing by Loch Affric. This is the highest ground north of the Great Glen, so wind and cold hit hard, and snow lingers late. Carry a map and compass.
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
- High winds
- Low visibility
- Loose rock
- Cold summit conditions
Quests with Càrn Eige
MunrosPeaks near Càrn Eige
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Càrn Eige?
Càrn Eige is 3,881 feet (1,182 m) tall. It is in the Western Highlands, Scotland.
How does Càrn Eige rank among the Munros?
At 3,881 feet, Càrn Eige is the 12th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Càrn Eige?
The East Ridge via Gleann nam Fiadh is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 13 miles with 4,270 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Càrn Eige?
Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the East Ridge via Gleann nam Fiadh, covering 13 miles with 4,270 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Càrn Eige?
The East Ridge via Gleann nam Fiadh needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 13 miles with 4,270 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 Eige?
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 Eige 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