NL5582 : Summit of Carnan, Mingulay

Carnan

273m Elevation
273m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NL5582 : Summit of Carnan, Mingulay

Tony Kinghorn Photo source

Explore routes near Carnan

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

Dun Mhulan Broch Quick Walk

5.2 km ~1h Easy

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Route planning notes

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

North-East Ridge Route

Starting from the small parking area, this route takes you up the dramatic North-East ridge. It's a straightforward ascent with a bit of a rocky scramble towards the top.

4.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 200-299m hill SIB

Elevation

273m

896 ft

Prominence

273m

Coordinates

56.8085, -7.6505

NL552828

OS Map

31

Explorer: 452S

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a modest but sturdy cairn, which offers hikers a chance to leave a small stone in the tradition of summiteers. The views from the top are truly breathtaking.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with some grassy sections depending on the path taken.

Carnan is primarily composed of Lewisian Gneiss, a very old and hard rock type formed deep in the Earth's crust. The ancient geology of the area reveals the dramatic history of the Scottish Highlands, including significant glacial activity that shaped the landscape.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the Cuillin range, the surrounding valleys, and distant islands. On a clear day, you might even spot the mainland across the waters.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Carnan' comes from the Gaelic term for 'cairn', reflecting the rocky attributes of the mountain.

Historical Significance

Carnan is a well-loved local hill offering excellent access to the surrounding areas, making it a popular choice for both casual walkers and seasoned hikers.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small parking area at the start of the North-East Ridge route, accommodating around 5-6 cars. Arrive early to secure a space!

Public Transport

Public transport options are limited; the best bet is to get a bus to Portree and then arrange for local taxi services.

Nearby Facilities

The nearest facilities are in Portree, around 20 km away, where you'll find cafes, toilets, and shops to stock up on supplies before your hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks on the ascent, particularly on the final stretch to the summit. Always mind your footing.

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 Carnan?

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

Are there other walkers around Carnan?

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 Carnan search or of course create your own walk for Carnan

Can I organise a walk to Carnan?

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 Carnan.

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 Carnan?

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 Carnan 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: NL552828

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