Geal Chàrn, Monadhliath

Summary

Geal Chàrn 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.

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Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

The path is boggy on this otherwise straightforward hill.

Deer Stalking information

Land west of the Gael Charn - Beinn Sgiath ridge including the usual route from Garva Bridge - Glenshero estate. Stalking between early Aug and 20th Oct. No stalking on Sundays. If further information is needed please e-mail [email protected]

Getting there

Start

Garva Bridge.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NN521948

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 12.5km / 7.75 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 625m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Geal Chàrn

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Walk Description

User reports (55)

WARNING

The road to Garva Bridge and the start of the walk will be closed from Monday 7th September to Thursday 10th September, and again from Tuesday 15 September to Friday 18th September.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 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.

Stage 2

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 stile, 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.

Stage 3

Unless the burn is in high spate, soon cross and follow the path up the broad indistinct ridge leading up towards Geal Chàrn; 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 Chàrn. By this 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.

Stage 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. It rises to 926m but is well apart from the other Monadhliath Munros; there is a vast, featureless wilderness extending to the north.

Stage 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 Chàrn'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.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Kingussie & Newtonmore Hotels

Kingussie & Newtonmore B&B

Kingussie & Newtonmore cottages

Cairngorms hostels

Glamping and Camping

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