Carn Gorm

677m Elevation
194m Prominence
Scotland Country

Good walks are even better shared.

Explore routes near Carn Gorm

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

Route planning notes

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

Gorm Glen Route

A scenic route starting from Gorm Glen, ideal for hikers wanting to soak in the natural beauty along the way.

11 km ~4.5 hours Moderate

Culligran Route

A loop that offers both ascent and descent, showcasing stunning views and a variety of terrains.

9 km ~3.5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Graham Simm

Elevation

677m

2,222 ft

Prominence

194m

Coordinates

57.3793, -4.7818

NH328355

OS Map

26

Explorer: 431

At the Summit

The summit features a large stone cairn, a trig point, and panoramic views that stretch across the Highlands, perfect for that Instagram shot.

Terrain & Geology

Rugged with rocky moorland some grassy sections and occasional boggy patches.

Primarily consists of ancient granite and schist, giving the peak its rugged charm. The rock formations exhibit signs of glacial erosion from the last ice age, providing a glimpse into the region's geological history.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the magnificent Glen Affric, Loch Ness to the south, and even the distant peaks of the Cairngorms.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Carn Gorm translates to 'Blue Hill' in Scots Gaelic, a nod to its vivid coloration during certain times of the year.

Historical Significance

Carn Gorm is a popular destination for both seasoned climbers and casual walkers, featuring in many local myths and legends connected to the Highlands.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There's a small, free car park near the start of Gorm Glen Route, which fits about 10 vehicles. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.

Public Transport

The closest bus service is from Inverness, where a local bus goes to Drumnadrochit, followed by a short taxi ride to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

There are public toilets in Drumnadrochit and a few cafes and shops where you can stock up on snacks and drinks before your hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Weather can change rapidly in the Highlands, so be prepared for rain, strong winds, or even snow.
  • Some sections of the path can become slippery, especially after rain.

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 Gorm?

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

Are there other walkers around Carn Gorm?

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 Gorm search or of course create your own walk for Carn Gorm

Can I organise a walk to Carn Gorm?

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 Gorm.

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 Gorm?

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 Gorm 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

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NH328355

View on OpenStreetMap

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