NB1815 : On Cearnabhal

Cearnabhal [Kearnaval]

378m Elevation
160m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NB1815 : On Cearnabhal

Richard Webb Photo source

Explore routes near Cearnabhal [Kearnaval]

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

Beautiful private beach walk Isle of Harris

2 km ~24m Easy

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Berneray Community Hall to the beautiful beach

4.8 km ~57m Easy

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Fairy Lochs Liberator Wreckage Circuit

4.9 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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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

This scenic route begins at the B886 road and follows the ridge up to the summit. It's a moderate climb with occasional rocky sections that reward hikers with stunning vistas.

7 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 300-399m hill

Elevation

378m

1,240 ft

Prominence

160m

Coordinates

58.0414, -6.7695

NB186157

OS Map

13 14

Explorer: 456

At the Summit

The summit is crowned with a small stone cairn, a perfect backdrop for the panoramic views. On a clear day, you might find yourself daydreaming about conquering the world, or at least this mountain.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with some grassy sections and a few boggy areas towards the foot.

Cearnabhal features a composition primarily of schist, a metamorphic rock that has transformed under heat and pressure. The rugged slopes and unusual rock formations provide a fascinating insight into the geological history of the area.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can see the breathtaking sight of the Firth of Clyde to the south and the rugged interior of the Highlands. On a clear day, the distant peaks of the Arrochar Alps can also be admired.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Cearnabhal' translates to 'Hill of the Throat' in Gaelic, possibly referring to the shape of the mountain or its location.

Historical Significance

Historically, the mountain has been a local landmark for centuries and holds significance in various local legends.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the start of the B886 road near the small hamlet of Achalder. The parking area is limited, so arriving early is advisable.

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is in the village of Taynuilt, from which you can taxi to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities on the way up, but Taynuilt has a few cafes and shops for a bite to eat before or after your hike. Toilets are available in the village.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be mindful of loose rocks and changing weather conditions. The terrain can become slippery when wet, and sudden fog can obscure paths.

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 Cearnabhal [Kearnaval]?

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

Are there other walkers around Cearnabhal [Kearnaval]?

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 Cearnabhal [Kearnaval] search or of course create your own walk for Cearnabhal [Kearnaval]

Can I organise a walk to Cearnabhal [Kearnaval]?

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 Cearnabhal [Kearnaval].

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 Cearnabhal [Kearnaval]?

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 Cearnabhal [Kearnaval] 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

Cearnabhal [Kearnaval] location map

Grid reference: NB186157

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

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