Càrn an Tuirc

Càrn an Tuirc
Aberdeenshire
Western slopes of Carn an Tuirc
Summit:	3,343 feet NO174804 56°54’28"N, 3°21’23"W

Carn an Tuirc is a mountain in Aberdeenshire, which reaches a height of 3,343 feet at its summit, and so it qualifies as a Munro.

Its name means "Hill of the wild boar".

Lie of the land

Carn an Tuirc sits on the north-western corner of a large raised plateau from which rise four Munros: Càrn an Tuirc, Cairn of Claise, Tom Buidhe and Tolmount. Carn an Tuirc is the only Munro in the group that lies slightly off the plateau, connected by a high bealach. It overlooks Glen Clunie to the west.

To the south are two further Munros, Glas Maol and Creag Leacach.

The summit lies on the western edge of the summit ridge, from which face drop stony slopes down the A93 road. This group of Munros is often climbed together, whether up this west face of Carn an Tuirc or from the car park at the head of the pass to Glas Maol. The slopes better avoided are the craggy declivities to the east of the summit; fine looking but steep and difficult down into Coire Loch Kander and onto Glen Callater.

The northern slopes are much gentler but not often used due to the ease of access from the west.

Ascent

The mountain is separated from Cairn of Claise (south) by Cul Riabhach, a deep gully biting into the west face of the plateau, while Tom Buidhe and Tolmount are further east. These four Munros are often normally climbed in one outing.

Parking available just north of the Glenshee Ski Centre on the A83 from which easy paths lead up the western face of Carn an Tuirc. An alternative approach is from the head of the pass below Glas Maol, up Glas Maol and head north over Cairn of Claise.

Mountain hares on Carn an Tuirc