4,003 ft · Central Highlands, Scotland
Càrn Mòr Dearg
Càrn Mòr Dearg is a 4,003 ft peak in the Central Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Carn Dearg Meadhonach Ridge: 8 mi, 4,200 ft of gain, Class 2.
Càrn Mòr Dearg at a glance
- Elevation4,003 ft1,220 m
- RouteCarn Dearg Meadhonach RidgeClass 2
- Distance8 mi4,200 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeCentral HighlandsScotland
Climbing the Carn Dearg Meadhonach Ridge
From Fort William, take the Glen Nevis road off the A82 and start at the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel. Follow the Ben Nevis Mountain Track up to the lochan, branch north around the mountain into the Allt a' Mhuilinn glen, cross the burn below the north face and climb steeply onto the ridge over Carn Dearg Meadhonach to the summit. Class 2 on bouldery ground with close views of the great cliffs. Most walkers carry on over the CMD Arete, a long Grade 1 scramble, to Ben Nevis. The burn crossing is hard in spate, snow lingers late in the season, and cloud and wind are frequent.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 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
- Stream crossing
- Low visibility
- High winds
- Snow near summit
Quests with Càrn Mòr Dearg
MunrosPeaks near Càrn Mòr Dearg
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Càrn Mòr Dearg?
Càrn Mòr Dearg is 4,003 feet (1,220 m) tall. It is in the Central Highlands, Scotland.
How does Càrn Mòr Dearg rank among the Munros?
At 4,003 feet, Càrn Mòr Dearg is the 9th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Càrn Mòr Dearg?
The Carn Dearg Meadhonach Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 4,200 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Càrn Mòr Dearg?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Carn Dearg Meadhonach Ridge, covering 8 miles with 4,200 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Càrn Mòr Dearg?
The Carn Dearg Meadhonach Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 4,200 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 Mòr Dearg?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Càrn Mòr 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