Geal Charn is the westernmost of the Monadh Liath and so far from the other three Munros that it is usually ascended on its own. Its eastern corrie is attractive but it is otherwise lacking in features; however it does have a feeling of remoteness.
Summary
The path is indistinct and boggy on this otherwise straightforward hill.
Terrain
NN521948
Grid ref
12.5km/7.75 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
Public transport
1. Start from the parking area on the left just before Garva Bridge, some distance up the minor road past the Spey dam. The double-span stone bridge was built by General Wade as part of his route over the Corryairack Pass. This is a lonely piece of countryside, with vast herds of red deer; apart from the Munro-baggers heading for this summit there are few visitors. Cross the bridge and then take the next right turn up a track which leads off north from the road. It reaches a new track used in the construction of the Beauly-Denny pylon line; turn right on this, crossing a bridge over the Allt Coire Iain Oig, and then left onto a track on the far side. Almost immediately cross the wire fence on the left - either stepping over or under - and then follow the grassy banks of the river upstream.
2. There is only a faint path at first but it soon becomes clearer. Continue beside the Feith Talagain until after passing through a gap in a fence. After this the path keeps higher above the burn, crossing boggy moorland. After around a kilometre another fence is crossed at a style, and further on the route reaches the Allt Coire nan Dearcag above where it joins the main stream. Continue up the path up the near side of the Allt Corie nan Dearcag.
3. Unless the burn is in high spate, soon cross and follow the path up the broad indistinct ridge leading up towards Geal Charn; at other times it is possible to continue up beside the burn to find an easier crossing place higher up. Either way, the route leads up to the top of a flattish shoulder southwest of Geal Charn is reached, by which point there are fine views looking back towards the hidden side of the Creag Meagaidh group across the glen, and glimpses towards the Loch Laggan Munros.
4. Continue north east for a steady pull until the flatter plateau is reached. The massive cairn marking the summit is around 700m further across the plateau. At 926 metres this is the fourth of the Monadhliath Munros; there is a vast, featureless wilderness extending to the north.
5. The easiest descent is to return the same way. There is an alternative route, but it does involve a crossing of the Markie Burn and should only be attempted during dry weather. For this route (Grade 4) continue northeast round Geal Charn's most impressive feature, the corrie holding Lochan a'Choire. Once beyond the last of the crags a descent can be made southeast to join the Piper's Burn much lower down. Cross the Markie Burn near the confluence - which can be impossible in spate - and follow the track down the far side to the Spey dam. To complete the circuit turn right and return to Garva Bridge along the road.
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