Carran [An Carn]

Carran [An Carn]

Carran [An Carn] Group Walks | Join a Walk

604m Elevation
240m Prominence
I Country

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

Classifications

Marilyn Sim Arderin Vandeleur-Lynam

Looking for walking companions?

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

Elevation

604m

1,982 ft

Prominence

240m

Coordinates

51.8558, -9.3759

W052678

OS Map

85

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent cairn, which serves as a wonderful spot for a celebratory snack after a tough hike. A trig point is also present, marking the highest point with the requisite panoramic view.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops interspersed with some boggy areas – don’t forget your gaiters!

The mountain is predominantly composed of granite and metamorphic rock, which gives it a rugged yet stunning terrain. This rock type is indicative of ancient volcanic activity that shaped the landscape over millions of years.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can spot Slieve Gallion, the lush green valleys of the Sperrins, and on clear days, the distant outline of the Antrim Coast.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'An Carn' translates to 'the cairn' in Irish, referring to the impressive stone heap at the summit.

Historical Significance

The mountain is steeped in local folklore and has long been a place for traditional gatherings and mountain worship.

Popular Routes

Carran Loop Trail

Moderate

A popular circular route that takes you around the base of Carran, offering various viewpoints along the way.

10 km 4 hours

Direct Ascent via East Ridge

Challenging

A more direct, steep ascent from the east. For those who believe going straight up is the best way to reach the top!

3.5 km 2 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small layby available near the start of the Carran Loop Trail. Please park considerately to allow room for others.

Public Transport

The nearest public transport options are available from Draperstown, with infrequent bus services; best to drive if you can.

Nearby Facilities

There are limited facilities directly on-site; however, Draperstown has cafes, shops, and public toilets to prepare you for your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for sudden weather changes; the mountain can cloud over fast. Also, some parts can be boggy, so it's best to skip the fashionable shoes!

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

Join friendly walkers exploring Carran [An Carn] and surrounding area

Can't find a walk? Organise your own!

Create a walk and let others join you. It's free and easy!

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Carran [An Carn]?

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

Are there other walkers around Carran [An Carn]?

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 Carran [An Carn] search or of course create your own walk for Carran [An Carn]

Can I organise a walk to Carran [An Carn]?

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 Carran [An Carn].

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 Carran [An Carn]?

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 Carran [An Carn] 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