Carn Sgùlain Summit
Hiking Highlight
Recommended by 10 hikers
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for: Cairngorms National Park
Part of the Monadhliath Mountain range, Carn Sgùlain sits on the northwest border of the magnificent Cairngorms National Park. At 3,018 feet (920 m), this is a Munro but it’s often cited as one of the least interesting. You can mitigate this by bagging neighbour A’ Chailleach too, a far more visually interesting peak. For a longer adventure, you can add in Càrn Dearg as well, which lies to the west.
It’s important to note that there’s a second Carn Sgùlain closeby, to the north west, so don’t get confused and go further than you need to.
The logical place to start is Glen Banchor to the south, just along from the town of Newtonmore. You can head north from the car park alongside Allt a’ Chaorainn and ascend A’ Chailleach or continue along the glen to reach Càrn Dearg first. There are two cairns on Carn Sgùlain’s summit, and most Munro baggers visit both, to ensure they’ve bagged the highest – the most south westerly one. Once here, the views are worth the effort.
Tips
A starkly featureless Munro. Strangely befitting of its surroundings as the Granite topped mountains of the Cairngorms are left to the South and the remote wilds of the Monadhliath (translates to Grey Mountains) begin.
December 29, 2022
Easiest ascended as part of a horseshoe with Carn Dearg and A'Chailleach.
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•June 22, 2021
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