Geal Chàrn Walk

Route Description for Geal Chàrn Walk

If you’re looking to experience a walk that ushers in a true sense of remoteness and adventure, the Geal Chàrn Walk will likely be a great match. This moderate hillwalk unfolds on a mostly undefined path with some boggy sections, but once the hill is reached, the walk becomes more straightforward.

While out on this walk, you’ll likely find yourself in the company of another hillwalker or two, but besides that, you’ll enjoy this peaceful slice of wilderness mostly to yourself. Red deer are known to frequent the area and early on, you’ll also cross a historical stone bridge constructed by General Wade.

From the parking area, begin the walk by crossing the Garva Bridge and taking the next right to join a track that leads away from the road heading north. When a second track is reached, turn right on it and head across another bridge, this one arching above the Allt Coire Iain Oig. On the far side continue on the track heading left and then make your way across the worse fence to your left. Continue upstream, enjoying the solitude of the grassy banks that lead alongside the river.

Up ahead, after following the river for some time, make your way through a break in the fence. Boggy moorlands make up much of the next section as you set out towards the Allt Coire nan Dearcag, which you’ll continue alongside for some time.

When a suitable place for crossing is spotted, head across the burn and join the path that leads up the wide ridge of Geal Chàrn. Views of Creag Meagaidh soon come into view, as well as expansive views across the sprawling glen.

Ascend northeast, pressing on to reach the flat plateau. From the plateau, you’ll reach the summit in around 700 m, which is marked by a sizable cairn. Upon reaching the cairn, views of the vast wilderness extending north will take your breath away. A feeling of smallness will likely be achieved from atop the summit, with nothing but wide-open land as far as the eye can see.

When you’re ready to set off on your descent, retrace your steps to return the same way back to the parking area where the walk began.