Munro · Central Highlands
Carn Dearg
Càrn Dearg (945m) — the Monadhliath version, distinct from the several other Munros named Càrn Dearg — is the highest summit of the Monadhliath range, the great rolling upland west of Speyside. The hill is approached from Glen Banchor near Newtonmore via long landrover tracks and rough peat moor, characteristic of the Monadhliath. The summit gives sweeping views east across Speyside to the Cairngorms.
Gaelic: “cairn-topped hill, red” · Pronunciation: karn jerr-ak
Quick facts
- Height
- 945.7m/ 3103ft
- Prominence
- 591 m
- Distance
- 16 km
- Ascent
- 832 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH635023
- Parking
- NN693998
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 43km
- 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
Long approach track 45% · Open hillside / plateau 35% · Summit plateau 20%
Park at Glen Banchor west of Newtonmore. Take the rough estate landrover track north-west up the Allt a' Chaorainn for around 5km, then climb west onto Càrn Macoul and continue west to the broad summit of Càrn Dearg. Most parties combine with the other Monadhliath Munros (A' Chailleach, Geal Charn) on a long ridge round. Càrn Dearg alone is around 16km return with 800m of climb.
Terrain
The Glen Banchor estate landrover tracks are firm, but the side paths into the hills cross wet boggy moor — slow tussocky going typical of the Monadhliath. Above 700m the surface opens out to broad mossy turf and rocky outcrops. A small cairn marks the Càrn Dearg summit on a flat broad top. Navigating the wide Monadhliath plateaux in cloud requires care.
In winter
A serious Monadhliath winter day with significant exposure to easterly weather. The broad summit drifts heavily and the long approach in shortened daylight is committing. The Glen Banchor side road can drift; the A9 corridor at Newtonmore is reliably gritted. Phone signal absent above 700m. SAIS Creag Meagaidh is the closest formal forecast.
This hill is in the Creag Meagaidh SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 55m
- Edinburgh3h 2m
OS maps: OS Landranger 35
Mobile signal: Nothing above 700m in the Ben Alder / Loch Pattack area. Dalwhinnie or Newtonmore has 4G. Download maps before the long approach.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:58
- Sunset
- 21:49
- Civil dawn
- 04:02
- Civil dusk
- 22:45
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 July 2026
On a long-distance route
Carn Dearg sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.
Around Carn Dearg on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Kingussie station
Cairngorms south side; Glen Feshie; Insh Marshes; Monadhliath access
12km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Aviemore
Cairngorms base — Strathspey valley, ski centre, train
28km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Dalwhinnie
Dalwhinnie — Scotland's highest distillery on the Drumochter pass
17km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Carn Dearg — common questions
- What difficulty is Carn Dearg?
- On the OutdoorSCOT scale, Carn Dearg comes in at 4/5 — challenging. Expect roughly 16km and 832m of ascent on the usual route — 5-8 hours for most parties. Underfoot: The Glen Banchor estate landrover tracks are firm, but the side paths into the hills cross wet boggy moor — slow tussocky going typical of the Monadhliath.
- What is Carn Dearg's prominence?
- 591m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Carn Dearg to the next higher ground.
- Where do I park for Carn Dearg?
- Most walkers start from NN693998. 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 Dearg?
- May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Carn Dearg. 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 Dearg 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 Dearg?
- Nothing above 700m in the Ben Alder / Loch Pattack area. Dalwhinnie or Newtonmore has 4G. Download maps before the long approach.
- Is Carn Dearg safe in winter?
- A serious Monadhliath winter day with significant exposure to easterly weather. The broad summit drifts heavily and the long approach in shortened daylight is committing. The Glen Banchor side road can drift; the A9 corridor at Newtonmore is reliably gritted. Phone signal absent above 700m. SAIS Creag Meagaidh is the closest formal forecast.
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