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3,038 ft · Monadhliath, Scotland

Geal Charn

Geal Charn is a 3,038 ft peak in the Monadhliath, Scotland. The standard route is the Allt Coire nan Dearcag: 7 mi, 2,050 ft of gain, Class 2.

Geal Charn in the Monadhliath, Scotland

Geal Charn at a glance

  • Elevation3,038 ft925 m
  • RouteAllt Coire nan DearcagClass 2
  • Distance7 mi2,050 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonMay – Oct
  • RangeMonadhliathScotland

Climbing the Allt Coire nan Dearcag

From Laggan on the A86, take the minor road west past the Spey Dam to the Garva Bridge parking area just before General Wade's double-arched bridge on the Corrieyairack route. Cross the bridge, turn right on a track north, cross the Allt Coire Iain Oig on the pylon track, then follow the grassy river banks upstream. A path climbs by the Allt Coire nan Dearcag to the plateau and its large cairn (Class 2). Usually climbed alone, far from the other Monadhliath Munros. Burns can be hard to cross in spate, the ground is wet, and the minor road is lonely and slow in poor weather.

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

  • Stream crossing
  • Boggy terrain
  • Low visibility
  • Remote location

Quests with Geal Charn

Peaks near Geal Charn

  1. Càrn Dearg

    Càrn Dearg

    3,103 ft · 5.1 mi away

  2. Càrn Liath

    Càrn Liath

    3,301 ft · 7.6 mi away

  3. A' Chailleach

    A' Chailleach

    3,049 ft · 8.1 mi away

  4. Carn Sgulain

    Carn Sgulain

    3,019 ft · 8.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Geal Charn?

Geal Charn is 3,038 feet (925 m) tall. It is in the Monadhliath, Scotland.

How does Geal Charn rank among the Munros?

At 3,038 feet, Geal Charn is the 261st highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.

How hard is it to hike Geal Charn?

The Allt Coire nan Dearcag is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 7 miles with 2,050 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Geal Charn?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Allt Coire nan Dearcag, covering 7 miles with 2,050 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Geal Charn?

Usually, if you are fit. The Allt Coire nan Dearcag is a common first summit for hikers ready for 5 – 7 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 October. 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