Munro · Central Highlands
Carn Ghluasaid
Càrn Ghluasaid (957m) — "hill of movement" — is the easternmost of the Sgùrr nan Conbhairean group above the south side of Loch Cluanie. It is the most accessible Munro of the group, sitting closest to the A87 with a direct ascent line that climbs almost from the lochside. Almost always paired with Sgùrr nan Conbhairean and often Sail Chaorainn on a long Cluanie ridge round.
Quick facts
- Height
- 956.3m/ 3137ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 842 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH145125
- Parking
- NH168103
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
A887 path 25% · Open hillside 45% · Summit 30%
See Sail Chaorainn for the standard Cluanie three-Munro round. Càrn Ghluasaid is the first summit reached on the standard ascent, climbed directly via the excellent stalkers' path from the A87 lay-by at Lundie. From the broad summit, continue south-west across the high plateau to Sgùrr nan Conbhairean, then north over the long ridge to Sail Chaorainn. Càrn Ghluasaid alone is 7km return with 880m of climb.
Terrain
The Lundie stalkers' path is excellent restored stone pitching for the lower section — one of the best-built approach paths in the area. Above the path the surface becomes short grass and broken rock as the broad summit area opens out. A small cairn marks the high point of a flat mossy plateau. The connecting ridge to Sgùrr nan Conbhairean is broad open ground with rocky outcrops.
In winter
A reasonably accessible Cluanie winter Munro. The Lundie path is sheltered on its lower section. The broad summit accumulates deep drift but rarely produces avalanche-prone ground. The A87 itself remains gritted at Cluanie though the lay-by glazes over. Mobile reception fades above 700m. The relevant avalanche forecast is SAIS Northern Highlands.
This hill is in the Creag Meagaidh SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 57m
- Edinburgh3h 25m
OS maps: OS Landranger 34
Mobile signal: No signal above 700m above Loch Cluanie. Cluanie Inn has reasonable 4G. Download maps before setting off.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:28
- Sunset
- 22:10
- Civil dawn
- 03:23
- Civil dusk
- 23:16
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Carn Ghluasaid.
On a long-distance route
Carn Ghluasaid sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.
Around Carn Ghluasaid on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Carn Ghluasaid — common questions
- How hard is Carn Ghluasaid?
- Carn Ghluasaid is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 842m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-8 hours. Terrain: The Lundie stalkers' path is excellent restored stone pitching for the lower section — one of the best-built approach paths in the area.
- Where do I park for Carn Ghluasaid?
- Standard parking is at NH168103 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 Ghluasaid?
- The standard good-weather months for Carn Ghluasaid 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 Ghluasaid?
- 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 Ghluasaid?
- No signal above 700m above Loch Cluanie. Cluanie Inn has reasonable 4G. Download maps before setting off.
- Is Carn Ghluasaid safe in winter?
- A reasonably accessible Cluanie winter Munro. The Lundie path is sheltered on its lower section. The broad summit accumulates deep drift but rarely produces avalanche-prone ground. The A87 itself remains gritted at Cluanie though the lay-by glazes over. Mobile reception fades above 700m. The relevant avalanche forecast is SAIS Northern Highlands.
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