Càrn nan Gobhar (Loch Mullardoch)

Càrn nan Gobhar, at 992-993 metres, is the smallest and least dramatic of the four Mullardoch Munros, rising between Loch Mullardoch and Glen Strathfarrar. There is a second, unrelated Munro of exactly the same name 14 kilometres to the north-east on the far side of Glen Strathfarrar, and the two should not be confused.

The route starts from the Loch Mullardoch dam car park in Glen Cannich, following the loch's northern shore for around 1.5 kilometres before climbing steeply up the mountain's south-south-east ridge, passing over the subsidiary top of Mullach na Moille. The broad, flat summit ridge running north-south holds two distinct cairned high points around 200 metres apart — the southern cairn is larger and marginally higher at around 985 metres, while the true northern summit, with a smaller cairn, gives good views north to the Monar Forest Munros of Maoile Lunndaidh and Lurg Mhòr.

Càrn nan Gobhar is most often climbed in conjunction with neighbouring Sgùrr na Lapaich, with strong parties continuing further to take in An Riabhachan and An Socach as part of the full Mullardoch circuit — a new hydro track has made the once-boggy approach considerably more straightforward than in years past. The mountain's best feature is its south-facing corrie, Coire an t-Sìth ("Corrie of the Fairies"), drained by the Allt Mullardoch in a series of small waterfalls.

Càrn nan Gobhar alone from the dam is a comfortable half-day; the full four-Munro Mullardoch circuit is an extremely long day, often ten to twelve hours or more, given the remote terrain and lengthy return along the loch shore.

Though relatively featureless and straightforward by comparison with its neighbours, this remains remote country — the approach and ridge terrain are rough and largely pathless in sections, and full navigation skills are essential, particularly if extending into the fuller Mullardoch round.

Parking at the Loch Mullardoch dam is free; there is no public transport to the start.