Scotland
Geal-charn
917M
3009FT
About Geal-charn
Rising above the Pass of Drumochter, this broad Munro is defined by its massive, rounded profile and mossy plateau. While the lower slopes are often saturated, the summit rewards walkers with clear perspectives across the A9 to the Sow of Atholl and the distant, sprawling massif of Ben Alder.
Key Statistics
Rank
10th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Data coming soon
Prominence
?
178
Nearest Town
Data coming soon
Geology
You are hiking across the Gaick Psammite Formation, a landscape built from hard, metamorphosed sandstone that began its life as ancient layers of sand.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NN596782
Latitude
56.8744°N
Longitude
4.3045°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic for 'White Peak,' likely referring to the persistence of winter snow on its high plateau or the scattering of light-coloured quartz stones across its upper reaches.
- •This hill is one of the most accessible Munros in Scotland; the popular ascent from Balsporran Cottages starts at an elevation of over 400 metres, significantly shortening the climb.
- •Looking west from the summit cairn, there is a superb view across the deep trench of Loch Ericht towards the remote peaks of the Alder Forest and the sharp ridge of Beinn Bheoil.
- •It is almost always climbed as a pair with its neighbour, A' Mharconaich, via the high col at the head of Coire Boiteach, which offers an easy traverse between the two summits.
- •At 917 metres, it clears the Munro height requirement by a mere three metres—a margin of error that makes it a very efficient choice for those looking to tick off a summit with minimal surplus climbing.