Sub-Marilyn · Kintail
Carn Loch na Gobhlaig
Carn Loch na Gobhlaig — the cairn of the forked loch — is a 716m heather summit in the empty country between Glen Strathfarrar and Glen Cannich. The lochan that gives the name sits in a hollow on the broad summit plateau.
Quick facts
- Height
- 716m/ 2349ft
- Prominence
- 143 m
- Grid ref
- NH 25731 30145
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 43km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Sub-Marilyn: 143m of drop — misses the 150m Marilyn cut by 7m. We keep it on the list as a near-miss.
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% · rocky summit 10%
Most parties approach from the locked gate at the foot of Glen Strathfarrar (key required from the cottage near Struy) and cycle some way in before taking a stalkers path south onto the hill. A long day of around 6 to 8 hours with the cycle approach.
Terrain
Estate-maintained stalkers paths get you most of the way; off-path expect peaty plateau with the usual hags and lochans of the central Highlands watershed. The ground holds water poorly.
In winter
At 716m and well inland, the summit plateau holds snow from December to April. Featureless terrain means careful navigation in cloud is essential; this is not a winter hill for solo beginners. Axe and crampons sensible from mid-December.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 9m
- Edinburgh6h 40m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25, OS Explorer 415, OS Explorer 430
Mobile signal: Poor. The Strathfarrar interior is a notable dead zone; signal returns only on the higher tops looking out toward Strathconon.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:12
- Sunset
- 21:40
- Civil dawn
- 04:19
- Civil dusk
- 22:33
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Carn Loch na Gobhlaig on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Carn Loch na Gobhlaig — common questions
- How hard is Carn Loch na Gobhlaig?
- We grade Carn Loch na Gobhlaig at 2/5, which puts it in moderate territory. Terrain: Estate-maintained stalkers paths get you most of the way; off-path expect peaty plateau with the usual hags and lochans of the central Highlands watershed.
- How prominent is Carn Loch na Gobhlaig?
- Carn Loch na Gobhlaig has 143m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. That leaves it 7m short of the 150m drop a Marilyn needs — DoBIH classes it a sub-Marilyn, a near-miss rather than a full Marilyn.
- When should I climb Carn Loch na Gobhlaig?
- The standard good-weather months for Carn Loch na Gobhlaig are April, May, June, 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 Loch na Gobhlaig?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Carn Loch na Gobhlaig?
- Poor. The Strathfarrar interior is a notable dead zone; signal returns only on the higher tops looking out toward Strathconon.
- Is Carn Loch na Gobhlaig safe in winter?
- At 716m and well inland, the summit plateau holds snow from December to April. Featureless terrain means careful navigation in cloud is essential; this is not a winter hill for solo beginners. Axe and crampons sensible from mid-December.
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