Càrn Dearg, Monadhliath

Càrn Dearg
Inverness-shire
Slopes of Càrn Dearg, from the south-east
Range:	Monadhliath Mountains
Summit:	3,100 feet NH635023 57°5’31"N, 4°15’8"W

Càrn Dearg is the highest peak of the Monadhliath Mountains in Inverness-shire, in the heart of the Highlands, standing at 3,100 feet.

The eastern flanks of the mountain slope steeply down into Glen Ballach, while to the north, the large plateau of the Monadhliath extends for many miles. The rocky slopes of Carn Dearg and A' Chailleach contrast with the remainder of the Monadhliath, which are described by Cameron McNeish as "sprawling, undistinguished affairs .

The name Càrn Dearg is Gaelic for "Red cairn" and is used of several mountains in the Highlands, greatest of which is the a Munro a little northwest of Ben Nevis known more familiarly as Carn Mor Dearg.

The nearest towns are Newtonmore and Kingussie in the Spey valley.

Geography

Carn Dearg stands amidst the high plateau of Monadhliath, one of the nine Munros of that range. It is towards the northeast of the group, its summit on the western rim of a corrie overlooking Gleann Ballach.

A craggy ridge runs from the south, up to the summit and beyond, with tumbling faces to the east. The south end of the ridge leads to Carn Macoul before dropping sharply to Glen Banchor, while to the north it runs to Carn Ban before joining up with the main plateau of the Monadhliath.

Ascent

Carn Dearg may be climbed on its own from Gleann Ballach in the south or as part of a longer day by combining it with the two other Munros of the northeast of Monahliath, Carn Sgulain and A' Chailleach, walking over the Monadhliath plateau.

The summit gives good views of the Monadh Liath as well as the Munros further west including Geal Charn, Monadhliath and Creag Meagaidh.

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