NN9175 : Carn a' Chlamain

Carn a' Chlamain

964m Elevation
317m Prominence
Scotland Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

NN9175 : Carn a' Chlamain

Richard Webb Photo source

Overview

Carn a' Chlamain

Introduction

Carn a' Chlamain, standing at 915 meters, is a splendid Munro located in the Scottish Highlands, just north of Dalwhinnie. This majestic mountain is not only a treat for the senses but also a pathway into the heart of the Highlands.

Geology

Composed mainly of granite, with a sprinkling of schist, Carn a' Chlamain embodies the rugged geological history of the area. It’s a perfect place for rock hounds and those who admire nature’s artful designs.

The Climb

The most popular route starts at the Dalwhinnie Visitor Centre, taking approximately 4.5 hours to reach the summit. The well-trodden trail is moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for many walkers. You'll encounter grassy slopes coupled with rocky outcrops, which provide character and a good workout (think of it as nature's way of saying, "Hello, fit and fancy!").

Summit Wonders

Once you’ve conquered the ascent, the summit greets you with a proud cairn. The views are simply breath-taking, with the majestic Cairngorms stretching to the south and the Grampians to the north. Don’t forget your camera—it’s a view that deserves to be captured.

Terrain and Hazards

The terrain can be a blend of grassy stretches and rocky paths, so sturdy footwear is essential. Watch out for boggy patches, too; they can be polite enough to call you in for a dance!

Access Information

Access is straightforward, with nearby parking at the Dalwhinnie Visitor Centre. If you prefer rail travel, the Dalwhinnie train station is conveniently close. A stroll through the village will introduce you to the local distillery - maybe plan a dram afterward!

Facilities

Don’t worry about nature calling; the visitor centre offers toilets and a delightful café for a much-deserved treat after your adventure.

Conclusion

Carn a' Chlamain is not just another mountain; it’s a journey into the serene and rugged beauty of Scotland. Whether you’re going for the views, the challenge, or just to escape the everyday hustle, this Munro has something for everyone. Happy hiking!

Make sure to be well-prepared as you traverse this incredible landscape.

Explore routes near Carn a' Chlamain

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Aberfeldy: Glassie Woodland and River Tay Circular

7.5 km ~3h Moderate

View route

Kenmore: Drummond Hill Black Rock Trail above Loch Tay

4.6 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Rothiemurchus: Beaver Trail and Lochan Mor

6.1 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Aviemore: Loch an Eilein and the Croft Track from Rothiemurchus

11.3 km ~3h 30m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Dalwhinnie Route

This straightforward route is often accessed from Dalwhinnie, featuring a gentle ascent with stunning views as your reward.

11 km ~4.5 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

964m

3,161 ft

Prominence

317m

Coordinates

56.8610, -3.7796

NN915758

OS Map

43

Explorer: OL51E 394E

At the Summit

At the summit, you’ll find a well-maintained cairn that stands as a testament to the many hikers who have reached these heights. There’s also a stunning panorama to feast your eyes upon.

Terrain & Geology

A delightful mix of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops with small sections of bog that keep things interesting. Just enough to remind you that you’re in the wild!

Primarily composed of granite with some schist, typical of the Scottish Highlands, providing a rocky yet inviting canvas for your hiking adventures.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, the expansive views include the Cairngorms to the south and the Grampians to the north. On a clear day, you might even spot the distant peaks of Ben Nevis and Aonach Beag.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Carn a' Chlamain' translates to 'Hill of the Hush,' possibly due to the quiet stillness that envelops the mountain, making it a peaceful retreat.

Historical Significance

This Munro has been a popular spot for hikers since the creation of the Munro List in the late 19th century, symbolizing the rugged beauty of the Highlands.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is ample parking at the Dalwhinnie visitor centre, which also serves as a good starting point for various hikes in the area.

Public Transport

Dalwhinnie is accessible by train from Edinburgh or Inverness, with the station just a stone's throw from the visitor centre.

Nearby Facilities

The Dalwhinnie visitor centre has toilet facilities and a café for those needing a pre- or post-hike refreshment.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be wary of changing weather conditions, as they can turn on a sixpence. Wet rocks can be slippery, and visibility can drop, so make sure to have a good map and compass.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Carn a' Chlamain?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Carn a' Chlamain through the maps

Are there other walkers around Carn a' Chlamain?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Carn a' Chlamain search or of course create your own walk for Carn a' Chlamain

Can I organise a walk to Carn a' Chlamain?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Carn a' Chlamain.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Carn a' Chlamain?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Carn a' Chlamain here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Carn a' Chlamain location map

Grid reference: NN915758

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Beinn a' Ghlo - Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain

1,070m

Beinn a' Ghlo - Carn Liath

976m

Beinn a' Ghlo - Carn nan Gabhar

1,122m

 Cairn Toul

Cairn Toul

1,292m

Sgor Gaoith

1,116m
See 5 more nearby hills