Scotland
Carn Macoul
804M
2639FT
About Carn Macoul
Tucked away in the Monadhliath range near Newtonmore, this high, rounded summit offers a quieter alternative to the nearby Munros. Its peat-scarred slopes and expansive plateau are typical of the region, rewarding walkers with broad views across the River Calder valley toward the high, jagged profiles of the Cairngorms.
Key Statistics
Rank
88th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Grampians
Prominence
?
76.9m
Nearest Town
Highland
Geology
You are walking over glittering, sandy rocks and tough, layered stones formed from ancient mud. These compressed layers provide the rugged foundation beneath your boots.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NH639004
Latitude
57.0744°N
Longitude
4.2467°W
Did You Know?
- •The name likely derives from the Gaelic Càrn Macuill, translating to 'MacWill’s Cairn', suggesting a historical association with a specific individual rather than the more common descriptive landscape names found elsewhere in the range.
- •It is frequently climbed as part of a long, heathery circuit from Glen Banchor, often bagged alongside the neighbouring Carn Ban or visited as a quiet detour by those descending from the Munro, A’ Chailleach.
- •The summit provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the western Cairngorms; looking southeast across the Spey Valley, the massive bulk of Braeriach and the Sgoran Dubh Mor ridge are clearly visible on a clear day.
- •On a misty afternoon, the featureless, high-altitude plateau serves as an excellent test for one's compass skills, as the distinction between the summit and the surrounding peat hags is often a matter of inches.