3,009 ft · Central Highlands, Scotland
Geal-charn
Geal-charn is a 3,009 ft peak in the Central Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Northeast Shoulder from Balsporran: 4 mi, 1,670 ft of gain, Class 1.
Geal-charn at a glance
- Elevation3,009 ft917 m
- RouteNortheast Shoulder from BalsporranClass 1
- Distance4 mi1,670 ft gain
- Time3 – 5 hrsEasy effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeCentral HighlandsScotland
Climbing the Northeast Shoulder from Balsporran
From Dalwhinnie, drive south on the A9 for a few kilometres to the turn-off on the west side for Balsporran. Start from the Balsporran Cottages car park, cross the level crossing over the railway and follow the track, crossing a side burn by a bridge. A good track and then a clear path climb the broad northeast shoulder past large cairns to the summit, with views over Loch Ericht to Ben Alder. The route is Class 1. Usually combined with A' Mharconaich on a circuit from Balsporran. The pass is one of the coldest spots in Britain, so bring warm layers even on a mild day.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 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
- Low visibility
- Boggy terrain
- High winds
Quests with Geal-charn
MunrosPeaks near Geal-charn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Geal-charn?
Geal-charn is 3,009 feet (917 m) tall. It is in the Central Highlands, Scotland.
How does Geal-charn rank among the Munros?
At 3,009 feet, Geal-charn is the 278th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Geal-charn?
The Northeast Shoulder from Balsporran is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 4 miles with 1,670 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Geal-charn?
Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Northeast Shoulder from Balsporran, covering 4 miles with 1,670 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Geal-charn?
Usually, if you are fit. The Northeast Shoulder from Balsporran is a common first summit for hikers ready for 3 – 5 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Geal-charn?
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 Geal-charn 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