Càrn Eige

Càrn Eige, at 1,183 metres, is the highest mountain north of the Great Glen, forming a twin summit with neighbouring Mam Sodhail above the beautiful glens of Loch Affric.

The route starts from the small car park at Chisholm Bridge at the head of Loch Affric. A good path climbs into Coire Leachavie before zig-zagging steeply up to gain the south ridge of Mam Sodhail, which is usually climbed first — its huge summit cairn, complete with a hollow you can stand inside, marks the site of a Victorian survey station. From Mam Sodhail the path descends steeply to a bealach with Loch Uaine below, then climbs again to reach the summit of Càrn Eige itself.

Many walkers extend the day to include the remote outlying Munro of Beinn Fhionnlaidh, reached by a further descent and reascent to the north — a worthwhile detour since this peak is otherwise a long way to reach on its own, though it adds considerably to an already big day.

The round trip taking in both main summits is around 19 kilometres with 1,500 metres of ascent, typically eight to ten hours; adding Beinn Fhionnlaidh extends this significantly further.

This is big, remote terrain with extensive views stretching from Skye to the Moray Firth on a clear day, but the ridges are narrow in places with some rocky pinnacled ground, and the descent path off Mam Sodhail back into Coire Leachavie is easily missed in poor visibility.

The Glen Affric car park at Chisholm Bridge is free but has limited spaces.