Corbett · Central Highlands
Carn Chuinneag
Carn Chuinneag is a freestanding 839m Corbett in the rolling deer country of Easter Ross, north of Strathcarron and east of the Alladale wilderness reserve. With 461m of prominence it stands clearly apart from its neighbours and the conical summit is unmistakable from the Dornoch Firth coast 30km to the east. The hill is built of an unusual outcrop of granite within a sea of Moine schist — a geological curiosity that gives it a distinctive pale-pink summit dome.
Quick facts
- Height
- 839m/ 2753ft
- Prominence
- 461 m
- Distance
- 15 km
- Ascent
- 738 m
- Time
- 5–7 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH483833
- Parking
- NH468906
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 42km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
estate road 45% · open hillside 25% · broad ridge 20% · summit boulder 10%
Approach from the Alladale Wilderness Reserve gates at Glencalvie or from Croick (with permission), taking the estate road north-west into the upper Carron strath. After around 6km of track, climb open heather and granite gravel onto the south ridge and walk easily up to the cairn. About 15km return with 738m of climbing — much faster with a bike for the track section. Often paired with Beinn Tharsuinn as a long pair-day.
Terrain
Alladale's estate tracks are graded for vehicles and roll easily under a bike. Once off them the surface turns to pink granite gravel and short heather — easy walking, almost like dry sand on the upper slopes. The summit dome is broken granite blocks with the boulder cairn unmistakable. No scrambling or exposure on the standard line. The Alladale reserve has reintroduced wildcats and other species; keep dogs on a lead.
In winter
A reliable winter Corbett in a quiet corner of Easter Ross — gentle gradients, no avalanche slopes, and a track approach. The granite summit is rime-encrusted for much of winter. The Alladale road can be closed by drifting snow; check before driving in. Daylight is short this far north; an early start is essential for a full circuit in December.
This hill is in the Creag Meagaidh SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 11m
- Edinburgh4h 17m
OS maps: OS Landranger 20
Mobile signal: No signal in Strathcarron beyond Ardgay; nothing on the hill
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:37
- Sunset
- 22:11
- Civil dawn
- 03:32
- Civil dusk
- 23:16
NOAA Solar Calculator · 13 July 2026
Around Carn Chuinneag on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Ardgay station
Kyle of Sutherland; Croick; Far North Line
13km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Ullapool
Main NW Highlands hub; Hebrides ferry; Inverpolly access
37km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: The Dalmore
Alness — sherried Highland flagship; stately Cromarty Firth setting
22km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Carn Chuinneag — common questions
- Is Carn Chuinneag a hard climb?
- Carn Chuinneag is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 15km with 738m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-7 hours. Terrain: Alladale's estate tracks are graded for vehicles and roll easily under a bike.
- How prominent is Carn Chuinneag?
- Carn Chuinneag has 461m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground.
- Where should I park to climb Carn Chuinneag?
- Standard parking is at NH468906 near Ullapool. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When should I climb Carn Chuinneag?
- The standard good-weather months for Carn Chuinneag are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Carn Chuinneag?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Carn Chuinneag?
- No signal in Strathcarron beyond Ardgay; nothing on the hill
- Is Carn Chuinneag safe in winter?
- A reliable winter Corbett in a quiet corner of Easter Ross — gentle gradients, no avalanche slopes, and a track approach. The granite summit is rime-encrusted for much of winter. The Alladale road can be closed by drifting snow; check before driving in. Daylight is short this far north; an early start is essential for a full circuit in December.
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