Carn Gorm

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Grampian Mountains
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- Scotland
Carn Gorm

Page Type:	Mountain/Rock
Lat/Lon:	56.62300°N / 4.22553°W
Activities:	Hiking, Mountaineering, Skiing
Season:	Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Elevation:	3376 ft / 1029 m
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Overview

This mountain, Carn Gorm (pronounced: kaarn gorm) is located in Invervar, in the Glen Lyon Range in Scotland. It can be found slotted between the better known peaks of Ben Lawers in the south, and Schiehallion in the north-east. Although many people have probably heard the name before, the chances are that it was in no relation to this peak, but rather the better known peak of the same name in the famous Cairngorms range; Cairn Gorm. This however, is a splendid peak situated in one of the longest running glens in the country and should not be missed.

Carn Gorm (translation: The Blue Hill) stands at a height of 1029m/3376ft. This peak is classified as a Munro and is number 103 in the Munro heights table.

There are three other Munro peaks here that are generally completed on the same day in a circuit known as the Glen Lyon horseshoe. The other peaks that form the big arc on the north side of Glen Lyon are; Meall Garbh(968m/3176ft), Carn Mairg(1041m/3415ft) and Meall nan Aighean(981m/3218ft).

Although Carn Gorm is an imposing bulk of a mountain, with rocky faces overlooking the glens, there are no significant dangers in summiting it. It has a distinct summit, marked by a small cairn (note: the trig point is not the true summit of this peak). The views from the summit are surprisingly good and we were able to pick out the peaks in the Lawers range, Crianlarich & Tyndrum Hills, The Blackmount, Glencoe, The Mamores, The Cairngorms and even Ben Nevis and the Grey Corries. Of all the summits I have sat on, I think this is by far the most extensive I’ve ever seen.

Rock Ptarmigan

Of all the things I wasn’t expecting to see on this peak, it was probably the amount of ptarmigan that were hopping around, that accompanied with the couple of mountain hares made the peak all the more enjoyable.

Glen Lyon is easily one of the finest landscapes within Scotland due to it’s remoteness, however if travelling by car, it is advised to be there early as the parking is limited due to this remoteness.

Approx time taken: 4 hours (Carn Gorm only)
Approx time taken: 8 hours (Glen Lyon horseshoe route)

Getting There

Car

From Glasgow take the A82 road to Crianlarich, turn right onto the A85 and continue along this road until turning left onto the A827 signposted Killin. Travel through Killin until taking the left turn signposted Ben Lawers visitor centre. Follow this single track road until reaching a T junction at Bridge of Balgie. Turn right and follow the road until reaching Invervar. Parking is available to the right, in the lay-by just behind the red phone box.

From Perth take the A9 and follow until turning left onto the A827 for Aberfeldy. Take the A846 just before Aberfeldy and follow until turning left at Coshieville. Follow the road until reaching Invervar.

Train & Bus

The nearest train station for the area is in Pitlochry. A bus or taxi will be required to complete to your required destination. The buses within the area are infrequent and generally don’t operate on Sundays.

Buses run regularly from all major cities to Aberfeldy and Killin, however more than one bus maybe required to complete the journey.

Train and Bus links are below.

Train timetable information
Scottish City Link

Red Tape

As usual there is no red tape in Scotland due to the Land Reform(Scotland) Act 2003 which has established statutory rights of access to land and inland water for outdoor recreation. It should be noted however, that the landowner in this area posts information on the gate at the beginning of the route to this and the other peaks located here. The information will detail information on the route they prefer you take for the peaks, scheduled deer stalking and also conservation information.

The Land Reform(Scotland) Act 2003
Scottish Outdoor Access Code

The following aspects should be taken into consideration when you are in the Scottish countryside;

Seek local advice in regard to deer stalking or grouse shooting activities

Ensure that all gates are closed behind you

During the lambing season (March to May) ensure that all dogs are kept on a lead

Please refrain from feeding or annoying any animals

Limited parking space is available at the start of many routes, please ensure that you are not blocking a road and/or entrance

Parking is provided at the start of some routes by the local farmers, it is polite to ask if you can use this facility

Try to refrain from crossing fields with animals and/or crops if an alternative route is available

Ensure that you treat the local environment with care by leaving it as you found it and by taking any litter home with you

Any camp fires should be carefully watched and only used away from dense forest areas

Natural waste should be done in a hole and then buried when wild camping

Carn Gorm(right)& An Sgorr(left). (Photo by Boydie)

Accommodation

The best two place to base yourself for climbing in the Glen Lyon region are in the picturesque towns of Killin or Aberfeldy.

Hotels/B&B‘s

Loch Rannoch

Coshieville House
Aberfeldy Weem Hotel
Fortingall Hotel
Balnearn Guest House
Killin Hotel
The Coach House Hotel
Ardeonaig Hotel
Craigbuie Guest House

Bunkhouses

Culdees Bunkhouse
Ben Lawers Bunkhouse

Lodges & Campsites

Killin Highland Lodges
Loch Tay Highland Lodges
Cruachan Farm Caravan & Camping Park
Aberfeldy Caravan Park

Wild camping can be done on certain points between Ben Lawers visitor centre and Bridge of Balgie.

Books and Maps

Carn Gorm & Meall Garbh. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

Books

The Southern Highlands by D.J.Bennet.
Scottish Hill and Mountain Names by Peter Drummond
The Munros by Cameron McNeish
The Munro Almanac by Cameron McNeish
Scottish Mountains on Ski by Malcolm Slesser
Southern Highlands (pocket mountains) by Nick Williams, page 12/13.

Maps

Harvey Superwalker Map: Ben Lawers
OS Explorer Map sheet : 378
OS Landranger Map sheet: 51

Mountain & Weather Conditions

Summit view to the west of Carn Gorm. (Photo by Boydie)

The weather conditions in Glen Lyon can alter rapidly and you should ensure you are fully prepared for all weather eventualities. There was sleet at the top of this peak when I was here in June. Yes, June. Summertime!

Mountain forecast

Avalanche forecast

Aberfeldy weather forecast

Killin weather forecast

Images

View Carn Gorm Image Gallery - 15 Images