Carn Dearg

Rising above the western reaches of Loch Errochty, this modest Perthshire summit offers a quiet alternative to the busier Drumochter peaks. The terrain is typical Scottish moorland—undulating heather and peat—rewarding the pathless climb with clear views south across the water toward the prominent peak of Schiehallion.

• •The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic Càrn Dearg, meaning 'Red Cairn', a common Highland name often referring to the seasonal colour of the heather or the underlying granite stone.
• •From the summit, walkers gain a distinctive perspective of Loch Errochty stretching eastwards, with the bulky mass of Beinn a' Chuallaich visible to the south-east.
• •The hill sits within the historic Forest of Atholl; the approach from the south often involves navigating the private estate tracks and infrastructure surrounding the Errochty Dam.
• •Given there are over two dozen hills named Carn Dearg in Scotland, reaching this summit provides the satisfaction of a completed climb alongside the lifelong task of explaining exactly which one you were on.