NH4103 : Carn a' Chuilinn rock

Carn a' Chuilinn

817m Elevation
178m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NH4103 : Carn a' Chuilinn rock

Alan Reid Photo source

Overview

Carn a' Chuilinn: A Munro for All Seasons

Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Carn a' Chuilinn rises proudly at 817 meters, rewarding those who seek its summit with breathtaking views and a sense of achievement. Known for its accessible routes and stunning vistas, it's no surprise this mountain has become a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

Geology

The mountain is predominantly granite intertwined with schist, which can create some interesting geological features to marvel at as you ascend. This fusion of rocks gives way to a variety of landscapes that are both rugged and enchanting.

Access and Parking

Getting to Carn a' Chuilinn is a breeze. The most popular point of access is from the A82, where you can find ample parking (NH416034). Remember to park thoughtfully so you leave space for passing traffic.

Route Description

The most common route to the summit is a lovely 10 km trek starting from the A82. It provides a clear path, though do be prepared for some rocky and muddy patches along the way! Allocate about 4 hours for the round trip, depending on your pace, and don’t forget to take breaks; the views are a fantastic excuse to catch your breath!

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, you'll be greeted by a prominent trig point and a robust cairn—a perfect spot for a photo op! Just be cautious not to start a Twitter war over the best selfie angle; nature is photogenic!

Views

The panoramic views from Carn a' Chuilinn are nothing short of breathtaking. You can gaze at Loch Awe and the majestic peaks of Ben Cruachan while pondering life’s great mysteries, like why you didn't bring that second pack of biscuits.

Hazards

Though the hike is generally moderate, conditions in the Highlands can change rapidly. Prepare for anything from sunshine to sudden rain, and keep an eye out for the unpredictable bogs, especially after a heavy downpour. Waterproof boots are your best pals here!

Nearby Summits

For those keen on making a day of it, nearby Beinn a' Chochuill stands tall at 933 meters, inviting the adventurous spirit to conquer yet another peak!

Facilities

After your hike, you might fancy a bite or a hot drink. The charming village of Tyndrum is a short drive away, offering cafes that serve up delicious snacks and the much-needed toilet break.

Conclusion

Whether you are a seasoned Munro-bagger or a first-time hiker, Carn a' Chuilinn provides a beautiful backdrop for adventure. So lace up those boots, pack some snacks, and let's get hiking!

Happy Trails!

Explore routes near Carn a' Chuilinn

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

Fort Augustus to Kytra Lock: Caledonian Canal Towpath

8.2 km ~2h 30m Easy

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Great Glen Way low route: Fort Augustus to Invermoriston Old Bridge

11.5 km ~3h 30m Moderate

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Coire Ardair lochan from Aberarder and back

12 km ~4h 30m Moderate

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Glen Affric: Coire Loch Woodland Trail

4.6 km ~2h Hard

View route

Route planning notes

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

A82 Route Starting Point

A straightforward route commencing from the A82, leading to the summit via well-trodden paths.

10 km ~4 hours Moderate
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Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Corbett Simm

Elevation

817m

2,680 ft

Prominence

178m

Coordinates

57.0943, -4.6148

NH416034

OS Map

34

Explorer: OL55 401

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent trig point and a sizable cairn for explorers to lean against as they catch their breath (or maybe just to take a victory selfie).

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops; watch your step in places as the terrain can be uneven.

Carn a' Chuilinn is primarily composed of granite with some schist, offering hikers a fine mix of hard and soft rock underfoot. This geology contributes to its rugged beauty and makes it a wonderful spot for geology enthusiasts.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy stunning views of Loch Awe and the surrounding peaks, including Ben Cruachan and the rest of the Argyll mountains.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Carn a' Chuilinn' translates to 'Hill of the Holly', reflecting the greenery that adorns its lower slopes.

Historical Significance

This mountain is a popular destination for Munro-baggers and has been well-loved by hikers for generations, showcasing a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is ample parking available along the A82 at the grid reference NH416034; just make sure to park safely off the road.

Public Transport

The nearest train station is Tyndrum, which has services from Glasgow; from there, a local bus can help you reach the starting point.

Nearby Facilities

There are a couple of cafes in Tyndrum offering hot snacks and drinks, as well as basic toilet facilities; perfect pit stops before or after your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of changing weather conditions; the Highlands are famous for turning on a sixpence. Additionally, some parts of the route can be boggy, so waterproof boots are a must.

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' Chuilinn?

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

Are there other walkers around Carn a' Chuilinn?

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' Chuilinn search or of course create your own walk for Carn a' Chuilinn

Can I organise a walk to Carn a' Chuilinn?

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' Chuilinn.

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' Chuilinn?

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' Chuilinn 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' Chuilinn location map

Grid reference: NH416034

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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