3,714 ft · Central Highlands, Scotland
Geal-Chàrn
Geal-Chàrn is a 3,714 ft peak in the Central Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Lancet Edge: 26 mi, 3,770 ft of gain, Class 3.
Geal-Chàrn at a glance
- Elevation3,714 ft1,132 m
- RouteLancet EdgeClass 3
- Distance26 mi3,770 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysHard effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeCentral HighlandsScotland
Climbing the Lancet Edge
From the A9 at Dalwhinnie, park near Dalwhinnie station and cross the level crossing onto the estate track along Loch Ericht. Start from Dalwhinnie station and walk or cycle past Loch Pattack to the site of the former Culra bothy, which is closed, so camp nearby. From Culra, climb the Lancet Edge, a narrow crest with easy Grade 1 scrambling, to the plateau and summit cairn. Usually combined with Aonach Beag, Beinn Eibhinn and Carn Dearg on a ridge round. Most parties camp at Culra or use a mountain bike on the tracks, and the broad plateau needs careful navigation in cloud.
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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Remote location
- Steep exposure
- Low visibility
- Stream crossing
Quests with Geal-Chàrn
MunrosPeaks near Geal-Chàrn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Geal-Chàrn?
Geal-Chàrn is 3,714 feet (1,132 m) tall. It is in the Central Highlands, Scotland.
How does Geal-Chàrn rank among the Munros?
At 3,714 feet, Geal-Chàrn is the 26th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to climb Geal-Chàrn?
The Lancet Edge is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 26 miles with 3,770 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Geal-Chàrn?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Lancet Edge, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Geal-Chàrn dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious and tricky route-finding. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Geal-Chàrn?
It is a good idea. The scrambling has rock overhead on the Lancet Edge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Geal-Chàrn?
The usual climbing window is May to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Geal-Chàrn 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