Hidden Scotland
Sign in

Geal-charn

A Munro of 917 metres on the west side of the A9 at the Pass of Drumochter, climbed from Balsporran by its north-east ridge.

Welcome

Geal-charn rises to 917 metres on the west side of the A9 at Drumochter, above Balsporran, where the road and the Highland Main Line run side by side through the pass.

It is not the much higher Geal-charn of the Ben Alder range. Only five Munros are lower, which puts it near the very end of the list of 282. Its nearest neighbour is A' Mharconaich, about two kilometres to the south-east, with Beinn Udlamain and Sgairneach Mhor further south. The Drumochter Hills are a Special Area of Conservation, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area, and Dalwhinnie is the nearest village.

Transport Scotland's note on walkers' routes names the Balsporran car park, off the A9, as the start for A' Mharconaich beside it. The usual way up crosses the Highland Main Line at the Balsporran level crossing: stop, look and listen, check both ways, and close the gates behind you, as Network Rail asks. No avalanche forecast covers the Drumochter hills, which does not mean there is no risk here under snow. Check for deer stalking before you go and follow any signs. Choose a day with a good forecast, and carry a map, a compass and warm clothes.

The Daily

Arrives at 5am every day.

A free morning email to see what’s on this week, catch up on what’s happening in Scotland and find somewhere new to go.

The Daily for 4 November, from Scotland with love. A pink sandstone castle bristling with conical turrets and a Union Jack flag rises above a gravel forecourt, autumn-tinged ivy climbing one wing beside cannon displayed on the lawn.
Not farBlair Castle19 milesSee itBlair Castle

Been here? Tell others what you know, and the best go on this page with your name.

Add your review
Close by
  1. Sgairneach MhorA Munro of 991 metres on the west side of the A9 at the Pass of Drumochter, climbed from Coire Dhomhain by its north-east ridge.3 miles as the crow flies
  2. A' Bhuidheanach BheagA Munro of 936 metres east of the A9 at Drumochter, near Dalwhinnie, climbed by a track from the A9 south of the Dalwhinnie turn.4 miles as the crow flies
  3. The rounded, snow-capped top of Càrn na Caim above brown moorland and pale grass.Carn na CaimA Munro of 941 metres east of the A9 at Drumochter, near Dalwhinnie, climbed by a track from the A9 south of the Dalwhinnie turn.6 miles as the crow flies
  4. Rocky river flowing towards a pointed mountain peak under cloudy skiesBen Alder7 miles as the crow flies
  5. A toasted sandwich with crisps and a dressed salad on a dark blue plate.Laggan Stores Coffee BothyThe village café, shop and gallery in Laggan, on the upper Spey in Badenoch, serving breakfast, lunch and homemade cakes.10 miles as the crow flies
  6. Carn LiathA Munro of 1,006 metres in the Creag Meagaidh range above Loch Laggan, climbed from the nature reserve's car park at Aberarder.11 miles as the crow flies
Directions
A landscape view of Kin between two birch trunks, its black boards and rusted panels above the blaeberry, spruce behind.Kinloch RannochKin at Redhill RetreatSleeps 2 · 13 miles
A landscape view of Loch on the crest of its grassy bank, the glass front reflecting the birches and a rusted screen by an old stump.Kinloch RannochLoch at Redhill RetreatSleeps 2 · 13 miles
Rannoch from across the clearing: a black cabin with a larch end, a rope-railed deck and a mossy drystone dyke, tall pines behind.Kinloch RannochRannoch at Redhill RetreatSleeps 2 · 13 miles
A stone steading with a slated roof and an arched green door stands beside a gravel courtyard, daffodils growing at its base.West Tempar BothySleeps 2 · 14 miles
A white harled house with a slated roof sits among woodland below a hill, a track winding up to it through fields.Lassintullich HouseSleeps 16 · 14 miles
A small stone bothy joined to a stone steading, seen across long grass under a Scots pine bough, a corrugated shed to the right.Lassintullich BothySleeps 2 · 14 miles
A sign reading "Garden Cottage" hangs on a white gate before a gravel drive, the white cottage and hills visible beyond.Garden CottageSleeps 2 · 14 miles

Recommend to a friend

Stay nearby

Places to stay near Geal-charn, and when each is next free.

A landscape view of Kin between two birch trunks, its black boards and rusted panels above the blaeberry, spruce behind.Kin at Redhill Retreat
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Kinloch Rannoch
  • 13 miles from Geal-charn
Free 9–11 NovA landscape view of Loch on the crest of its grassy bank, the glass front reflecting the birches and a rusted screen by an old stump.Loch at Redhill Retreat
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Kinloch Rannoch
  • 13 miles from Geal-charn
Free 4–6 NovRannoch from across the clearing: a black cabin with a larch end, a rope-railed deck and a mossy drystone dyke, tall pines behind.Rannoch at Redhill Retreat
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Kinloch Rannoch
  • 13 miles from Geal-charn
Free 4–6 NovA stone steading with a slated roof and an arched green door stands beside a gravel courtyard, daffodils growing at its base.West Tempar Bothy
  • Sleeps 2
  • 14 miles from Geal-charn
Free 16–19 NovPlaces to stayEvery stay on the mapAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
Hidden Scotland, the magazine

Scotland, in print.

We want to show you the best that Scotland has to offer. The makers and the creatives, the enduring experiences, the evocative tales, the concealed corners. The roads less travelled that take you to places that matter. The adventures that gather you up and sweep you away. The blend of the wild and the artistic that makes Scotland what it is. We’d love for you to join us.

Get Issue 13Read it here