Carn Mòr Dearg
About Carn Mòr Dearg
Famous for its knife-edge arête ridge, Carn Mòr Dearg is often climbed en route to Ben Nevis via the CMD Arête, one of Scotland's finest ridge walks.
Height & Prominence of Carn Mòr Dearg
Carn Mòr Dearg stands at 1220 metres (4003 feet) above sea level, according to Ordnance Survey data. Its topographic prominence is 220 metres, meaning it rises at least that far above the col connecting it to the nearest higher peak. Carn Mòr Dearg is part of the Grampian Mountains. The OS grid reference is NN 177722, which you can use to locate the summit on any Ordnance Survey Explorer or Landranger map.
Carn Mòr Dearg carries the classification of Munro. As a Munro, it is one of Scotland's 282 summits over 3,000 ft (914.4 m), as originally catalogued by Sir Hugh Munro in 1891.
Location & Nearest Towns
Carn Mòr Dearg is located in Scotland, Highland. It sits in the Nevis Range area.
For official access information and any seasonal restrictions, check the relevant national park authority.
Safety Tips
Always check forecasts before setting out. Summit conditions differ dramatically from valley level.
Carry map, compass/GPS, water, food, first aid, whistle, torch, and waterproofs.
Tell someone your route and return time. Stick to marked paths. Be ready to turn back.
Ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Know your grid reference.
On the Mountain: Walking Carn Mòr Dearg
Carn Mòr Dearg is a hard walk that rewards careful planning. The summit sits at 1220m, where conditions can feel distinctly different from the valley — wind speeds are typically 30–50% stronger above 800m, and the temperature drops roughly 1°C for every 100m of ascent. In cloud, the cairn at the top can be hard to spot, so keep a map and compass to hand even on well-marked paths.
After your walk, the nearest village is a good place for a pint and a debrief. For detailed route descriptions and trip reports from other walkers, Walkhighlands is an excellent resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carn Mòr Dearg one of the best mountains to climb in the UK?
Yes, Carn Mòr Dearg is considered one of the best mountains to climb in the UK thanks to its scenic routes, 1220m elevation, and hard difficulty level.
What difficulty level is Carn Mòr Dearg?
Carn Mòr Dearg has a difficulty rating of Hard. Various routes are available for different experience levels.
When is the best time to climb Carn Mòr Dearg?
The best season is Spring to Autumn. Summit temperatures are typically 5–10°C colder than the valley, and conditions can change rapidly.
Why Visit Carn Mòr Dearg?
Carn Mòr Dearg stands at 1220m (4003ft) in Scotland, Highland. Classified as a Munro, it is a rewarding destination for hikers, climbers, and photographers.
Browse our UK mountains directory to discover more peaks, or see all mountains A–Z.
Nearby Peaks to Explore
Looking beyond Carn Mòr Dearg? These peaks are close by and worth exploring.
