Geal Charn

804m Elevation

156m Prominence

Scotland Country

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

Ben Nevis via Mountain Path

15.6 km ~7h Hard

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Route planning notes

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

East Highland Way Approach

This moderately challenging route begins near the village of Laggan and meanders through lush glens and beautiful forested areas before ascending the mountain's flanks.

13.5 km ~5 hours Moderate

Croadich Hill Route

A challenging yet rewarding approach starting at Croadich Hill, offering rugged terrain and stunning views of surrounding hills.

9 km ~4.5 hours Challenging

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Corbett Simm

Elevation

804m

2,638 ft

Prominence

156m

Coordinates

57.0026, -5.0375

NN156942

OS Map

Explorer: 399

At the Summit

At the summit, you will find a traditional stone cairn, which provides a perfect spot for photos. There's also a stunning view that will make your knees weak.

Terrain & Geology

Mostly grassy with rocky sections particularly near the summit.

Geal Charn is primarily composed of granite with significant evidence of glacial scouring and erosion, which has shaped much of the landscape surrounding the peak.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, you can see Ben Nevis, the River Spean, and the expansive Loch Laggan.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Geal Charn translates to 'White Cairn', likely referring to the mountain's snow-covered summit in winter.

Historical Significance

Geal Charn holds cultural significance in Highland folklore, often associated with local myths and legends.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There’s a decent parking area near the village of Laggan, with space for around a dozen cars. Arrive early to secure a spot!

Public Transport

The nearest bus services run to Laggan from Fort William. It may require a little planning, so check the local schedules.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities on the mountain itself, Laggan has a couple of cozy cafes and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

Watch for sudden weather changes; it can go from sunny to 'where did my jacket go?' in minutes. Loose rocks near the summit can also be perilous.

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

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Location

Grid reference: NN156942

View on OpenStreetMap

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Nearby Hills

Carn Mor Dearg

1,220m

Aonach Mor