How difficult is Carn na Breabaig?

Carn na Breabaig carries a 4/5 (challenging) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Count on about 13km, 557m of ascent and a 4-6 hour day on the standard route. Underfoot: Stalkers track in the glen, then deep tussock and peat hag on the lower shoulder where progress is slow.

What is Carn na Breabaig's prominence?

177m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Carn na Breabaig to the next higher ground.

Where do I park for Carn na Breabaig?

Most walkers start from NH072309 near Fort William. Verify the grid reference on an OS map before you set off — space is tight on busy summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Carn na Breabaig?

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November give the most reliable conditions on Carn na Breabaig. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.

Is Carn na Breabaig dog-friendly?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: paul birrell / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Graham · Central Highlands

Carn na Breabaig

Carn na Breabaig (679m) is tucked above the head of Loch Monar in NH06, deep in one of the most awkward-to-reach corners of the Central Highlands. The name suggests the hill of the kick, perhaps from a rocky step on the upper slopes. It looks straight down the loch toward Sgurr na Lapaich and gives a Munro-baggers' view across one of Scotland's quietest skylines.

Quick facts

Height: 679m/ 2228ft
Prominence: 177 m
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 557 m
Time: 4–6 hrs
Difficulty: 4 / 5Serious
Grid ref: NH066301
Parking: NH072309
Nearest: Fort William· Inverness 62km
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

heather moorland 65% · grass slopes 25% · summit plateau 10%

13km · 557m ascent · 3.5 hrs

Access depends on cycling or arranging passage along the locked private road in Strathfarrar — sign in at the gate before 9am. From Monar Lodge head west up Gleann Innis an Loichel, then strike north onto the broad shoulder beneath Sgurr na Ruaidhe. A pathless climb on tussock and outcrop gains the cairn perched on a small rocky knoll.

Terrain

Stalkers track in the glen, then deep tussock and peat hag on the lower shoulder where progress is slow. The upper slopes firm up onto cropped grass and slabs of mica-schist. A small rocky knoll forms the actual summit with a wider plateau extending east.

In winter

The Monar hills receive serious drifted snow on the east-facing flanks where Atlantic systems dump their load. The remoteness multiplies any winter incident — the locked road means no quick exit. Ice axe and crampons are essential from December and a settled forecast is non-negotiable.

This hill is in the Creag Meagaidh SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow3h 19m
Edinburgh4h 46m

Parking: NH072309

OS maps: OS Landranger 25

Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Loch Monar area; no reliable coverage on most networks.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 16mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:50
Sunset: 22:04
Civil dawn: 03:49
Civil dusk: 23:05

NOAA Solar Calculator · 17 July 2026

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Around Carn na Breabaig on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Plockton station

Coastal Wester Ross; Plockton village; Skye Bridge approach

26km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Mallaig

Ferry port for Skye and the Small Isles; CWT finish supply

51km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Carn na Breabaig — common questions

How difficult is Carn na Breabaig?: Carn na Breabaig carries a 4/5 (challenging) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Count on about 13km, 557m of ascent and a 4-6 hour day on the standard route. Underfoot: Stalkers track in the glen, then deep tussock and peat hag on the lower shoulder where progress is slow.
What is Carn na Breabaig's prominence?: 177m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Carn na Breabaig to the next higher ground.
Where do I park for Carn na Breabaig?: Most walkers start from NH072309 near Fort William. Verify the grid reference on an OS map before you set off — space is tight on busy summer weekends.
When is the best time to climb Carn na Breabaig?: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November give the most reliable conditions on Carn na Breabaig. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
Is Carn na Breabaig dog-friendly?: 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 na Breabaig?: Poor. Remote Loch Monar area; no reliable coverage on most networks.
Is Carn na Breabaig safe in winter?: The Monar hills receive serious drifted snow on the east-facing flanks where Atlantic systems dump their load. The remoteness multiplies any winter incident — the locked road means no quick exit. Ice axe and crampons are essential from December and a settled forecast is non-negotiable.

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