Marilyn · North-West Highlands
Carn na Dubh Choille
The name means 'black cairn' in Gaelic. A 480m hill among the Fannaich mountains with at least 150m of prominence — enough to feel like a real summit rather than a shoulder. The modest height belies the quality of the walking.
Gaelic: “stony, cairn-topped hill, black” · Pronunciation: karn doo
Quick facts
- Height
- 480m/ 1574ft
- Difficulty
- 1 / 5Easy
- Grid ref
- NH 38705 67337
Download GPX route file
Standard route
Standard route
A steady ascent across the ancient Lewisian gneiss landscape unique to the northwest to the 480m summit. The walking is straightforward with clear views opening up as you gain height. Allow 2-4 hours.
Terrain
Quartzite scree, peat hags and rough moorland. The northwest Highland landscape is geologically unique and physically demanding.
In winter
Winter in the northwest is characterised by wind, rain and occasional snow. The remoteness adds an extra dimension of seriousness to winter outings.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow5h 49m
- Edinburgh6h 55m
OS maps: OS Landranger 20, OS Explorer 437S
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:26
- Sunset
- 21:06
- Civil dawn
- 04:38
- Civil dusk
- 21:54
NOAA Solar Calculator · 2 May 2026