Geal-Charn

One of two mountains (the other one being Carn Dearg) which are the north-eastern half of the long ridge in the heart of the central highlands extending from Loch Ossian to Loch Pattack. They form a continuation of Beinn Eibhinn and Aonach Beag towards Loch Pattack. The summit of Geal-Charn is a large flat plateau with big corries to its north and north-east. Between these corries a narrow ridge extends north-east to Carn Dearg, and another ridge goes east to the sharp-pointed peak of Sgor Iutharn. These are remote mountains, and any approach to them involves a long walk or possibly the use of a bicycle along the tracks that lead into the hinterland from Dalwhinnie, Glen Spean or up the River Pattack.

The most usual approaches are from the north, one starting at Dalwhinnie and going by Benalder Lodge to Loch Pattack and the other going from the east end of Loch Laggan up the River Pattack to Loch Pattack. From there continue along the Allt a' Chaoil-reidhe past Culra bothy and 3 kilometres beyond there climb west up the narrow ridge of Sgor Iutharn to reach the eastern edge of the Geal-Charn plateau. Go west across the plateau to the summit. Return north-east and descend the narrow ridge leading to Carn Dearg. From the summit of that hill descend east to Culra.

The northern approach from Glen Spean probably involves more effort, going from the south-west end of Loch Laggan to Lubvan, possibly by bicycle, and then walking up the Allt Cam to the Dubh Lochan before climbing the northern slopes of Geal-Charn.

There are accommodation options at Corrour Station House, at the Scottish Youth Hostel at Loch Ossian and also in self catering cottages run by Corrour Estate.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)