Càrn Dearg (Monadhliath)

Route overview

This longer than average outing traverses the vast, rolling plateau of the Monadhliath to bag three Munros. Starting from scenic Glen Banchor, the route climbs the prominent peak of Càrn Dearg before crossing miles of empty, undulating high ground to reach Càrn Sgulain and A' Chailleach. It offers a classic sense of northern highland space and quiet isolation.

Terrain and underfoot

Underfoot conditions are highly varied, combining landrover tracks and rough paths with extensive sections of pathless, peat-boggy plateau. Navigation is highly demanding in poor visibility, though a line of old fenceposts provides a useful handrail across the high ground. The final descent requires crossing the Allt a' Chaorainn, which can become impassable in spate, requiring a detour to a downstream bridge.