Carn Liath

Carn Liath

Carn Liath Group Walks | Join a Walk

862m Elevation
33m Prominence
Scotland Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

Sim High Hill of Britain Deleted Corbett

Looking for walking companions?

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

Elevation

862m

2,826 ft

Prominence

33m

Coordinates

57.0620, -3.3787

NO164976

OS Map

36 43

Explorer: OL58S 404S

At the Summit

At the summit, you’ll find a prominent but friendly-looking stone cairn, perfect for that Insta-worthy photo op. There's also a trig point marking the highest point.

Terrain & Geology

A delightful mix of rocky scrambles and grassy slopes interspersed with occasional boggy patches that’ll make you question your footwear choice.

Carn Liath is primarily composed of granite and schist, with stunning rock formations that make it a geological treasure. The shifts in the geological strata tell a story of ancient tectonic activity.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, the views span from the rolling hills of the Grampians to the distant peaks of the Cairngorms. You might even spot Loch Ericht reflecting the Scottish sun like a diamond.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Carn Liath' translates to 'Grey Heap,' likely due to its rocky summit's appearance.

Historical Significance

As a Munro, it's a notable peak among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in the UK, exemplifying the beauty and challenge of the Scottish Highlands.

Popular Routes

Eastern Approach via the A9

Moderate

This well-trodden route begins from the car park near the A9, leading hikers through a mixture of forest paths and open moorland towards the summit.

10.4 km 3.5 hours

Western Ridge Walk

Challenging

Starting from the small village of Dalwhinnie, this route is a more scenic yet challenging ascent along the western flank of Carn Liath.

12.3 km 4 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking is just off the A9 at a designated area, capable of accommodating about a dozen vehicles. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially on sunny weekends!

Public Transport

There are bus services from major cities like Inverness to nearby villages; check local schedules as they vary by season.

Nearby Facilities

Facilities are limited in Dalwhinnie, which has a small shop for supplies, plus a cafe where you can indulge in a piece of cake or two to fuel your ascent.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Sudden weather changes can occur, so be prepared. Watch for slippery rocks and don't underestimate the bogs—your boots may end up with a mind of their own.

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

Find Walking Companions

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Carn Liath?

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

Are there other walkers around Carn Liath?

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

Can I organise a walk to Carn Liath?

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 Liath.

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 Liath?

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 Liath 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