Munro · kintail
Carn Eighe
Carn Eighe is the highest hill north of the Great Glen at 1182m, the high point of the Glen Affric Munros and one of the most remote major summits in Britain. With 1147m of prominence it ranks as one of the most freestanding peaks in the country — only Ben Nevis, Ben Macdui and Ben More on Mull exceed it. The summit is a trig pillar in a stone windshelter on a small rocky platform at the western end of the great Mullardoch ridge, sharing a high bealach with Mam Sodhail to the south.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1182.8m/ 3881ft
- Distance
- 19 km
- Ascent
- 1041 m
- Time
- 7–11 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH123261
- Parking
- NH200234
- Nearest
- Fort William· Inverness 57km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Glen track 40% · Open hillside 30% · Ridge / summit 30%
The standard line is from the road end at Loch Affric, taking the stalkers path west into upper Glen Affric then climbing south up Coire Coulavie onto Mam Sodhail, and traversing north to Carn Eighe. Around 24km return with 1041m of net ascent — strong walkers add Beinn Fhionnlaidh, the more remote Munro 1km north of Carn Eighe. The northern approach from Loch Mullardoch is shorter but logistically more complex (private estate access through Cannich permits).
Terrain
The Affric stalkers paths are well-built into the glen. The climb up Coire Coulavie is on rough grass and rock with intermittent path; the connecting ridge between Mam Sodhail and Carn Eighe is broad short grass with no real exposure. The top is a shallow stony platform with a built shelter cairn at its centre. North onto Beinn Fhionnlaidh involves significant re-ascent and a steep grass-and-rock pull.
In winter
A serious winter day. The Coire Coulavie ascent and the Carn Eighe / Beinn Fhionnlaidh connection both develop avalanche risk after westerly storms. The connecting ridge holds cornices on its north side. Distance from the road end at Loch Affric and absence of phone signal make this a self-sufficient mountaineering day. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 13m
- Edinburgh4h 39m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25
Mobile signal: Very poor signal throughout the Glen Affric approach. No signal at summit. The nearest coverage is at Cannich or Beauly. Pack a personal locator beacon for remote routes.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:27
- Sunset
- 22:11
- Civil dawn
- 03:21
- Civil dusk
- 23:17
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Carn Eighe.
On a long-distance route
Carn Eighe sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.
Around Carn Eighe on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Carn Eighe — common questions
- How hard is Carn Eighe?
- Carn Eighe is rated 5/5 (very challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 19km with 1041m of ascent and takes most walkers 7-11 hours. Terrain: The Affric stalkers paths are well-built into the glen.
- Where do I park for Carn Eighe?
- Standard parking is at NH200234 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 Eighe?
- The standard good-weather months for Carn Eighe are May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 Eighe?
- 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 Eighe?
- Very poor signal throughout the Glen Affric approach. No signal at summit. The nearest coverage is at Cannich or Beauly. Pack a personal locator beacon for remote routes.
- Is Carn Eighe safe in winter?
- A serious winter day. The Coire Coulavie ascent and the Carn Eighe / Beinn Fhionnlaidh connection both develop avalanche risk after westerly storms. The connecting ridge holds cornices on its north side. Distance from the road end at Loch Affric and absence of phone signal make this a self-sufficient mountaineering day. SAIS Northern Highlands applies.
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