The Eachach Càrn Deargs, Glen Roy

Summary

This pair of very rounded Corbetts have a lonely position above Glen Turret near the head of Glen Roy; the descent route here crosses the famous Parallel Roads.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Track for approach, initial steep ascent then pathless, heathery hills with extensive areas of peat bog.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

End of public road up Glen Roy.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NN334911

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 14km / 8.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5.5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 767m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Càrn Dearg - Eachach North
Corbett: Càrn Dearg - Eachach South

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Walk Description

User reports (7)

Stage 1

The walk begins from a parking area near the end of the public road up Glen Roy; it is on the right hand side just before a bridge and cattle grid with a sign for the end of the public road. Begin by continuing on foot along the tarmac, passing to the left of Glen Turret House and past the outbuildings. Keep straight ahead at a junction, where the route continues as a track, leaves the buildings behind and continues to the hump-backed Turret Bridge. The Parallel Roads are visible running all around the empty head of the glen.

Stage 2

Once over the bridge the track forks; take the left branch, leading up Glen Turret. After the sheep pens the track deteriorates to a boggy ATV route; leave the main route by branching right, aiming past an isolated chimney - a remnant of a wooden building. Continue up the glen, passing another chimney, to reach a bridge at NN332940. Cross this and continue northwards to make a direct ascent of the pathless steep grassy hillside opposite.

Stage 3

After a hard initial pull the slope begins to ease, eventually opening out onto Teanga Mhor. There are some extensive areas of peat hags to cross on the long, steady pull that curves round towards the summit of the northern Càrn Dearg, with good views both back towards Ben Nevis and across to the Loch Lochy Munros.

Stage 4

The undistinguished summit of this - the higher of the pair of Càrn Deargs here - is marked by a small cairn. Retrace your steps slightly before aiming southeast down grass and heather towards the bealach at 572m. There is a fairly sustained ascent up the similar slopes opposite.

Stage 5

The slope eases for the final walk over to the second, lower Càrn Dearg - also a Corbett - which has a slight peaked summit adding just a little character to the top. There is a good view of the wild upper reaches of Glen Roy which lead through towards to the uppermost headwaters of the River Spey.

Stage 6

For the descent, aim southwest at first down open slopes, before curving left to descend to the west of the Allt Dearg. As the floor of the glen nears the route crosses the two parallel roads - two flattened areas of slope at different levels. Although marked on the OS map as tracks, these geological features are actually evidence of a once great lake dammed in Glen Roy by a glacier.

Stage 7

After crossing the second parallel road, ensure you are descending to the west of a feeder burn as it flows into a gorge which would block the route further down. Continue down the hillside and then a steep moraine to reach the track in Glen Roy. Turn right and follow this back to Turret Bridge where the outward route is rejoined back to the start.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Spean Bridge Hotels

Spean Bridge B&B

Spean Bridge cottages

Spean Bridge hostels

Glamping and Camping

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