Graham · Far North
Carn an Tionail
A stony rise on the high ground between Loch Choire and Loch Naver in central Sutherland, looking south toward Ben Klibreck and north across the great empty interior. The summit is unprepossessing but the position commands an enormous sweep of the Flow Country.
Quick facts
- Height
- 758.5m/ 2489ft
- Distance
- 14 km
- Ascent
- 622 m
- Time
- 4–7 hrs
- Grid ref
- NC392390
- Parking
- NC395440
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 97km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
glen track 30% · rough heather 40% · grassy ridge 20% · summit area 10%
Park near the bridge by Loch Choire Lodge and follow the estate track north along the loch before striking up the heathery west flank. No path on the open hillside but the gradient is moderate throughout.
Terrain
Long approach on good vehicle track, then trackless tussock and short heather above. Peat hags on the broad summit plateau need careful threading.
In winter
Daylight is critically short in mid-winter this far north. Snow cover varies but the windswept summit often clears of snow while the lower peat ground freezes hard — eye protection useful against ground-blown spindrift.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow5h 16m
- Edinburgh5h 21m
OS maps: OS Landranger 16
Mobile signal: No signal in this remote Monar area
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:25
- Sunset
- 22:08
- Civil dawn
- 03:17
- Civil dusk
- 23:16
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
On a long-distance route
Carn an Tionail sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.
Around Carn an Tionail on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Carn an Tionail — common questions
- How hard is Carn an Tionail?
- Carn an Tionail is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 622m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-7 hours. Terrain: Long approach on good vehicle track, then trackless tussock and short heather above.
- Where do I park for Carn an Tionail?
- Standard parking is at NC395440 near Ullapool. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Carn an Tionail?
- The standard good-weather months for Carn an Tionail 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 an Tionail?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Carn an Tionail?
- No signal in this remote Monar area
- Is Carn an Tionail safe in winter?
- Daylight is critically short in mid-winter this far north. Snow cover varies but the windswept summit often clears of snow while the lower peat ground freezes hard — eye protection useful against ground-blown spindrift.