Scotland
Carn na Ceardaich
571M
1873FT
About Carn na Ceardaich
Rising northwest of Newtonmore, this rounded Monadhliath summit offers a quiet, heathery alternative to the busier Cairngorm peaks. While the terrain involves navigating typical highland peat hags, the broad top provides a clear vantage point over the Spey Valley toward the high plateau of the Cairngorms and the Feshie hills.
Key Statistics
Rank
150th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Lochaber
Prominence
?
113m
Nearest Town
Highland
Geology
The path beneath your feet is made of Strathspey Granite. This hard, crystalline rock formed from ancient molten material that cooled and hardened deep underground.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NN618880
Latitude
56.9625°N
Longitude
4.2745°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is Scottish Gaelic for 'Hill of the Smithy' (Càrn na Ceardaich), likely referring to historical iron-working or a small forge located in the nearby glens.
- •The summit provides an expansive view of the northern Monadhliath, with the distinctive pointed profile of Geal Charn visible to the west and the massive bulk of the Cairngorm plateau across the Spey Valley.
- •Most walkers approach from Glen Banchor, following the track alongside the River Calder before heading onto the pathless, heathery slopes that lead to the summit cairn.
- •In the Monadhliath, a 'straight line' on a map is usually a polite suggestion that will be frequently interrupted by the reality of waist-deep peat hags.