Scotland
Geal Charn
876M
2873FT
About Geal Charn
Situated north of the A86 near Laggan, this sprawling mountain forms a significant part of the Monadhliath’s southern fringe. Its terrain is defined by broad, heathery slopes and a stony plateau that feels remarkably isolated. The summit offers a commanding perspective over the length of Loch Laggan and the impressive cliffs of Creag Meagaidh.
Key Statistics
Rank
44th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Data coming soon
Prominence
?
97m
Nearest Town
Highland
Geology
You are walking on the Loch Laggan Psammite, a hard sandstone changed by heat and pressure. It contains tiny flakes of mica that glisten as you climb.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NN444988
Latitude
57.0543°N
Longitude
4.5663°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'Geal-Chàrn', meaning 'White Cairn', likely a reference to the pale quartzite stones that pepper the summit area.
- •The summit provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the Great Glen to the west and the sprawling, high-level wilderness of the Monadhliath plateau to the north.
- •Much of the ascent involves traversing expansive peat hags and heather moorland, making it a classic example of the rugged, undulating terrain typical of the Central Highlands.
- •It is separated from the higher peaks to the north by the Allt a' Chaorainn, which provides a dramatic, steep-sided approach for walkers coming from the south.
- •Given there are numerous hills named Geal Charn within a twenty-mile radius, double-checking the map is essential to avoid climbing the wrong 'White Cairn' by mistake.