Carn Dearg Beag

Carn Dearg Beag

Carn Dearg Beag Group Walks | Join a Walk

695m Elevation
20m Prominence
Scotland Country

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Classifications

Sub-Simm

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Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Carn Dearg Beag together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

695m

2,281 ft

Prominence

20m

Coordinates

57.0179, -3.9247

NN832935

OS Map

35 43

Explorer: OL56 402

At the Summit

The summit features a well-constructed stone cairn which serves as the main marker. It’s not quite the size of Everest's base camp, but it’s still deserving of a photograph or two!

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with some grassy patches particularly towards the summit. Be prepared for the distinctive Scottish bogs along the way!

Carn Dearg Beag is primarily composed of granite, which is typical of the region and contributes to its rugged beauty. The surrounding hills have been shaped by glacial activity, offering fascinating insights into geological processes.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see Ben Nevis to the south, the vast expanse of Loch Ness to the east, and the rugged terrain of the surrounding highlands. It's the perfect spot for those who appreciate a good view.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Carn Dearg Beag' translates to 'Little Red Hill', likely referencing the reddish hue of the granite under certain light conditions. Watch for those sunset hues!

Historical Significance

The mountain is a popular destination among hillwalkers and has been featured in various hiking guides. Local folklore may include tales of the Faerie folk, so keep an eye out for any mystical encounters!

Popular Routes

East Ridge Route

Moderate

This is a popular route that ascends from the east side, offering a moderately challenging trek with beautiful scenery along the way.

7.2 km 3.5 hours

West Ridge Route

Challenging

A less trodden route that provides a peaceful alternate ascent, this path is slightly more challenging but rewards hikers with stunning landscape views.

8 km 4 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There's a designated parking area at the end of the B862 road, about 5km from the trailhead. It fills up fast on a sunny day, so arrive early to avoid parking wars!

Public Transport

Buses run from Fort William to Spean Bridge, but check local schedules. Alternatively, your best bet might be to hitch a ride with a friendly local, just avoid mentioning the weather!

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities on the mountain itself, but Spean Bridge has cafes, restaurants, and public toilets to cater to weary hikers. Stock up on hot chocolate before the ascent.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The terrain can be uneven and rocky, so watch your step. Weather conditions can change rapidly, leading to poor visibility. As always, what goes up must come down; don't forget your knees!

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

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Carn Dearg Beag?

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

Are there other walkers around Carn Dearg Beag?

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 Dearg Beag search or of course create your own walk for Carn Dearg Beag

Can I organise a walk to Carn Dearg Beag?

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 Dearg Beag.

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 Dearg Beag?

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 Dearg Beag 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