Scotland
Calpa Mor
814M
2671FT
About Calpa Mor
Rising above the Spey valley near Newtonmore, this substantial Monadhliath summit offers a quieter alternative to the nearby Munros. Its broad, heathery slopes provide an expansive sense of isolation, typical of the high plateau terrain. The ground is often peat-heavy, demanding good navigation and a sturdy pair of boots.
Key Statistics
Rank
77th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Grampians
Prominence
?
58m
Nearest Town
Highland
Geology
You are walking over the Glen Banchor Subgroup, featuring layered rocks that were once ancient mud and sand transformed by heat and pressure.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NH668109
Latitude
57.1695°N
Longitude
4.2045°W
Did You Know?
- •The name derives from the Gaelic 'Calpa Mòr', which translates as the 'great calf'; in a landscape context, 'calpa' refers to a well-fleshed or sturdy ridge, an apt description for this bulky mass of high ground.
- •From the summit, walkers are rewarded with a clear perspective of the western Cairngorms across the Strathspey, specifically the dramatic crags of Sgoran Dubh Mòr and the vast plateau of the Moine Mhòr.
- •The hill is frequently bypassed by those heading for the higher Munros of A' Chailleach and Carn Sgulain, making it a peaceful spot to spot mountain hares, which are numerous in these heathery margins.
- •If you manage to locate the summit cairn without sinking into a peat hag, you have likely either waited for a hard winter frost or developed an unusually keen eye for stable ground.