Carn Gorm & Carn Mairg, Glen Lyon

Description

Carn Gorm, Meall Garbh and Carn Mairg are a range of hills on the north side of lower Glen Lyon near Kenmore. The circuit of broad and rolling Munros (Scottish mountains over 3000ft in height) offers good high level walking with panoramic views across Perthshire and beyond. Their Gaelic names colourfully translate as: 'blue hill'; 'rough hill'; and 'hill of sorrow' - so walkers will have an idea of what to expect before they get there.

The best start point is Invervar (GR 665484) where there is a small car parking area close to the telephone box. Take the track on the opposite side of the road, this wanders through woodland for approximately 1.5km before emerging into the open glen near to the Invervar Burn. The stalkers path runs up the south east ridge of Carn Gorm affording great views along the length of Glen Lyon. From the summit descend slightly to An Sgorr and continue in a clockwise direction to reach Meall Garbh and onto the level stony top of Carn Mairg. A long steady descent on grassy slopes leads back to Invervar.

As the longest enclosed glen in Scotland, Glen Lyon feels like a world apart and is a great tonic for the soul.

Access Info

The small settlement of Invervar is the best start point, this lies on the scenic minor road which begins in Fortingall and runs westwards through the glen.

There is a small car parking area at Invervar (GR 665484), which is for a maximum of 8 cars. When it is full, hill walkers are invited to walk elsewhere and come back another day. Please don't park in the village or on the narrow glen road as this affects verge/ground conservation and the ecology of the glen in the long term.

A tearoom is located at Bridge of Balgie, 9km west of Invervar. Refreshments and meals are also available at the nearby villages of Fortingall, Fearnan and Kenmore.

Additional Info

Glen Lyon is the longest enclosed glen in Scotland. It stretches for 32 miles and forms part of the 48,400 hectare Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area. Glen Lyon was described by Sir Walter Scott as the "longest, loneliest and loveliest glen in Scotland". Wordsworth, Tennyson, Gladstone and Baden Powell also sang its praises. The River Lyon runs through the glen and is aptly described as a 'classic Highland river' tumbling through corries, gorges and riverine meadows.

The pools near Bridge of Balgie are accessible, with the added benefit of parking and a little tearoom nearby. The name Glenlionn was chosen in the fourteenth century and it is thought that this name was inspired by the speed and height of the river in spate. Two remote lochs (Loch Lyon and Loch an Daimh) lie in the wild upper reaches of the glen and the hauntingly beautiful remnants of the ancient Caledonian forest are also visible.

More Info

Please check access with North Chesthill estates (T: 01887 877267) during the stalking season as certain parts of the range may be restricted during September, October and November.

To find out more about deer stalking activities in Scotland visit our Deer Stalking information pages and for further information about the Scottish Access Code log on to www.outdooraccess-scotland.com. Further access information to Chesthill Estates can also be found here.

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