Càrn Eighe

Càrn Eighe, the highest summit west of the Great Glen, crowns Glen Affric’s ridges and overlooks Loch Mullardoch with vast West Highland views.

Càrn Eighe

Height	1183m
Prominence	1147m
Meaning	file cairn
Lists	Munros (M13)
Location	South of Glen Cannich, Glen Strathfarrar to Glen Affric
Grid Ref	NH124262
Lat/Lon	57.28767, -5.11564
Munro tops	Stob a' Choire Dhomhain (1146m) Stob Coire Dhomhnuill (1139m) Sron Garbh (1131m) Stob Coire Lochan (917m)

Càrn Eighe is the highest mountain in the Highlands west of the Great Glen Fault and one of only three peaks in the UK with a prominence of over 1000m, the others being Ben Nevis and Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). Its summit rises above the western end of Loch Mullardoch, forming the highest point of a complex ridgeline that dominates Glen Affric. From its lofty cairn, three ridges sweep outwards, linking the mountain to four other Munros including its near twin, Mam Sodhail. This commanding position, combined with its exceptional prominence, makes Càrn Eighe a truly outstanding mountain and a key goal for Munro-baggers.

Càrn Eighe is most often climbed from Glen Affric, with routes combining it with the neighbouring Munros of Tom a’ Chòinnich, Toll Creagach and Mam Sodhail. This makes for a fine high-level circuit around the head of the glen, with superb views throughout and the option to detour out to the outlier Beinn Fhionnlaidh before returning to close the round.

For those seeking a much bigger challenge, Càrn Eighe can also be tackled as part of the legendary Mullardoch Round — a huge circuit of all 12 Munros surrounding Loch Mullardoch. Fit hill runners can complete the round in a single day, but most parties spread the traverse over two or more days, often bivouacking high on the ridge to break the journey.

Routes up Càrn Eighe

Mullardoch Munros
	Ridges encircling Loch Mullardoch offer an epic route with 12 Munros that hill-runners could complete in a day, whereas hillwalkers could overnight camp. Peaks : 12 Munros Ascent : 4725m (15500ft) Distance : 57km (35m) Time : 19hr

Eastern Glen Affric Munros
	Hillwalking route to Càrn Eighe - the highest mountain in the Western Highlands - and four other Munros. Includes some easy rock-scrambling. Peaks : 5 Munros, option of 1 Fiona Ascent : 2200m (7220ft) Distance : 30km (19m) Time : 11:10hr