Carn a' Ghille Charr, Cromdale Hills

Carn a' Ghille Charr the more northeasterly of the two Grahams in the Cromdale Hills. Though a simple rounded hill it has fewer visitors than its neighbour, and the old paths that lead up onto the ridge from the Cromdale side have become overgrown which means parts of the route involve harder going through deep heather.

Terrain

Pathless for much of the ascent, with sections of deep heather. The ridge is soggy in places with an intermittent path.

Public Transport

None to start

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Start

Grassy verge by the Bridge of Shannoch. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.5km/6.5 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 490m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NJ111298

Summits Climbed

Graham: Carn a' Ghille Charr

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Explorer 419 - Grantown
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

It is possible to park on the grassy verge of the minor road through the Haughs of Cromdale at NJ111298, just south of the (insignificant) Bridge of Shennach. A sign by a gate reads 'Access to Cromdale Hills' - go through the pedestrian gate and cross the burn. Head up through the grassy field, dodging any cows, to a gate at the top end. The gate is marked with an arrow - but the historic path marked on Ordnance Survey maps from here up onto the ridge is now sadly overgrown. Continue towards the ill-defined Cnoc na Seilg ridge seen ahead - a bit of the old path can be seen climbing diagonally up it.

Stage 2

Rather than trying the old path (overgrown with heather) there is a vehicle track just to the left that eases the ascent at first. Eventually this peters out; continue up the ridge, aiming for a clearer section of the old path. After a steeper section the slope eases; you can either continue tracing the old route (largely overgrown apart from the odd section) as it bears right a little and continues up to the main ridge of the Cromdales, or cut a corner by aiming more directly up onto the ridge, meeting it at a higher point.

Stage 3

The ridge itself is soggy in parts but most of it has a fairly clear path. Follow this uphill onto Carn Eachie, the top of which is very wet and the cairn is bypassed well to the left. Beyond Carn Eachie the going becomes much drier underfoot and a clear path finally leads to the trig point on the very extensive summit of Carn a' Ghille Charr. Ben Rinnes dominates, with the Paul's Hill windfarm to its left.

Stage 4

The return walk is back the same way. There are some alternatives; you could make a much longer traverse by heading along the ridge to the hill at the opposite end of the Cromdales, Creagan a' Chaise. If transport can be arranged, it is also possible to descend from where you originally reached the ridge to meet the top of a landrover track that heads down via Knock into Strath Avon. Whatever you decide, look out for reindeer - the Cromdale Hills are home to the larger part of the Cairngorm reindeer herd.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.