Geal Charn

926m Elevation
101m Prominence
Scotland Country

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.

Route planning notes

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

North-West Ridge Route

A direct ascent up the North-West Ridge, offering stunning views as you gain elevation. Ideal for those looking for a straightforward path to the summit.

6.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Hollow to the East Route

Starting from the east, this route leads you through some breathtaking landscapes with a few ups and downs before a final push to the summit.

7 km ~4 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

926m

3,039 ft

Prominence

101m

Coordinates

57.0574, -4.3736

NN561987

OS Map

35

Explorer: OL55 401

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a large cairn and a trig point, making it a perfect photo op for those who reach the top. The views are equally stunning, so be sure to bring a camera!

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with sections of boggy ground in the lower reaches which can test even the most devoted hiker's footwear.

Geal Charn is primarily composed of granite and schist, which are characteristic of the Scottish Highlands, providing a solid and rugged terrain for those who seek to conquer its summit.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the stunning Nevis Range, the expanse of the Great Glen, and on a clear day, the distant Glencoe massif. Truly a sight for sore eyes!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Geal Charn translates to 'White Cairn' in Scots Gaelic, referring to the large stone marker at the summit.

Historical Significance

The area has historical significance as part of the ancient land used for hunting and has been noted in various local legends.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking can be found at the small lay-by off the A9, just south of the village of Laggan. It's a popular spot, so arrive early to secure a space.

Public Transport

Buses run from places like Fort William and Inverness to Laggan, but check local schedules as they can be infrequent.

Nearby Facilities

While Laggan has limited facilities, there is a small café and a shop where you can grab last-minute supplies before your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of the boggy sections in humid conditions. Also, the weather can change rapidly; be prepared for all seasons in a day.

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