Geal Charn
Good walks are even better shared.
Explore routes near Geal Charn
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Rothiemurchus: Beaver Trail and Lochan Mor
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Aviemore: Loch an Eilein and the Croft Track from Rothiemurchus
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Aberlour to Carron Bridge: Speyside Way riverside return
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Loch Kinord: Muir of Dinnet Woodland Circuit
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Glen Tarf road approach
A straightforward route starting from the Glen Tarf road, leading to the summit with mild gradients.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
821m
2,694 ft
Prominence
173m
Coordinates
57.1960, -3.5067
NJ090126
OS Map
36
Explorer: OL58N 404N
At the Summit
The summit boasts a rocky plateau decorated with a prominent cairn, the ideal spot for a selfie — if only to prove you actually made it to the top!
Terrain & Geology
Geal Charn is primarily composed of schist and granite, offering a rugged terrain that tempts both hikers and geologists alike. There's a mix of metamorphic rocks that make for interesting conversations at your next geology club meeting.
Views & Scenery
On a clear day, you can feast your eyes on the sweeping vistas of the surrounding Munros, including the stunning Loch Ericht and the wild expanse of the Cairngorms.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
Geal Charn translates to 'white cairn' in Gaelic, possibly referring to the stone structures often found in the area.
Historical Significance
The Munro is a popular destination for hillwalkers and offers rich insights into Scotland's geology and ecology.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There is a small layby at the starting point off the A9, about 1 km from the Glen Tarf road.
Public Transport
Public transport options are limited; it's advisable to drive or arrange public transport to the nearest town and hike to the trailhead.
Nearby Facilities
Blair Atholl offers a few cafes, shops, and public toilets. It’s wise to stock up on snacks before heading out into the wilderness.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Watch out for sudden weather changes, especially in the Highlands; it's known to go from sunny to snowstorm in the blink of an eye. Additionally, care should be taken when traversing rocky sections.
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 Geal Charn?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Geal Charn through the maps
Are there other walkers around Geal Charn?
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 Geal Charn search or of course create your own walk for Geal Charn
Can I organise a walk to Geal Charn?
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 Geal Charn.
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 Geal Charn?
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 Geal Charn 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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: NJ090126
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
![Ben Macdui [Beinn Macduibh]](https://cdn.walkmates.com/gallery-images/e60cf32aeb394c3282fcdd14a63368f0.jpg){kind=small}
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