Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Munros
  5. Carn Sgulain

3,019 ft · Monadhliath, Scotland

Carn Sgulain

Carn Sgulain is a 3,019 ft peak in the Monadhliath, Scotland. The standard route is the Via A' Chailleach: 9 mi, 2,620 ft of gain, Class 2.

Carn Sgulain in the Monadhliath, Scotland

Carn Sgulain at a glance

  • Elevation3,019 ft920 m
  • RouteVia A' ChailleachClass 2
  • Distance9 mi2,620 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonMay – Sep
  • RangeMonadhliathScotland

Climbing the Via A' Chailleach

From Newtonmore, take Glen Road to the Glen Banchor road-end car park. Follow the Allt a' Chaorainn track north, cross the footbridge and climb past the small bothy onto the ridge of A' Chailleach. Descend to the col to its north, crossing the steep-sided Allt Cuil na Caillich, then climb to the main Monadhliath ridge and follow it northeast to the flat summit with two cairns (Class 2). Nearly always climbed with A' Chailleach, and sometimes extended west to Carn Dearg. The plateau is featureless and boggy, so timing and pacing on a bearing is essential in mist.

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

  • Boggy terrain
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Low visibility
  • High winds

Quests with Carn Sgulain

Peaks near Carn Sgulain

  1. A' Chailleach

    A' Chailleach

    3,049 ft · 1.0 mi away

  2. Càrn Dearg

    Càrn Dearg

    3,103 ft · 3.6 mi away

  3. Geal Charn

    Geal Charn

    3,038 ft · 8.7 mi away

  4. Meall Chuaich

    Meall Chuaich

    3,120 ft · 11.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Carn Sgulain?

Carn Sgulain is 3,019 feet (920 m) tall. It is in the Monadhliath, Scotland.

How does Carn Sgulain rank among the Munros?

At 3,019 feet, Carn Sgulain is the 271st highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.

How hard is it to hike Carn Sgulain?

The Via A' Chailleach is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 9 miles with 2,620 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Carn Sgulain?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Via A' Chailleach, covering 9 miles with 2,620 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Carn Sgulain?

Usually, if you are fit. The Via A' Chailleach is a common first summit for hikers ready for 6 – 8 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Carn Sgulain?

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 Carn Sgulain 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