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
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 557 m
- Time
- 4–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH066301
- Parking
- NH072309
- Nearest
- Fort William· Inverness 62km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
heather moorland 65% · grass slopes 25% · summit plateau 10%
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
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 19m
- Edinburgh4h 46m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Loch Monar area; no reliable coverage on most networks.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:35
- Sunset
- 22:02
- Civil dawn
- 03:32
- Civil dusk
- 23:05
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Around Carn na Breabaig on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Carn na Breabaig — common questions
- How hard is Carn na Breabaig?
- Carn na Breabaig is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 557m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Stalkers track in the glen, then deep tussock and peat hag on the lower shoulder where progress is slow.
- Where do I park for Carn na Breabaig?
- Standard parking is at NH072309 near Fort William. 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 na Breabaig?
- The standard good-weather months for Carn na Breabaig are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. 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 na Breabaig?
- 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.