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The Sustainable Stop

Munro Profile 9: Carn Mor Dearg

Region: Fort William to Loch Ericht
Height: 1,220m (4,003 ft)

Carn Mor Dearg is the elegant ridge companion to Ben Nevis, often climbed as part of the celebrated Carn Mor Dearg Arete route. It offers a quieter summit and a dramatic approach, making it a favourite among experienced walkers. For campervan travellers, access is shared with Ben Nevis, with several parking and overnight options nearby.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: North Face Car Park

  • Location: Off the Glen Nevis road, near Torlundy
  • Capacity: Moderate, suitable for campervans during the day
  • Facilities: No toilets or water; nearest services in Fort William
  • Charges: Free
  • Overnight: Not permitted

Alternative Options

Note: The North Face Car Park provides direct access to the Arete route, but is more remote than the Visitor Centre

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Carn Mor Dearg Arete Circuit

  • Distance: Approximately 17 km round trip
  • Elevation Gain: Around 1,350 metres
  • Distance and elevation may vary slightly depending on route choice and descent from Ben Nevis.
  • Terrain: Steep slopes, exposed ridge, rocky sections
  • Time Estimate: 7 to 9 hours

Navigation Notes

  • The Arete is exposed and narrow in places; confidence in scrambling and route-finding is required.
  • Weather can change rapidly; wind exposure is significant
  • Often combined with Ben Nevis for a full circuit

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

  • North Face Car Park allows daytime campervan access
  • The Visitor Centre and Braveheart Car Parks offer alternatives

Overnight Options

  • Glen Nevis Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
  • Wild parking may be possible further up Glen Nevis road (check signage and local guidance)
  • Lower Falls Car Park does not allow overnight stays

Fuel and Supplies

  • Fort William: Full services including fuel, supermarkets, and outdoor shops
  • Nearest fuel stations: Morrisons and BP on the A82

Legacy Log

  • Name origin: “Càrn Mòr Deirg” translates to “great red cairn”
  • Known for its graceful ridge and dramatic views of Ben Nevis’s north face
  • Often considered one of the finest ridge walks in Scotland
  • Summit Cairn offers panoramic views across Lochaber and the Grey Corries

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 9 in our every-second-day campervan-access series. If you’ve climbed Carn Mor Dearg, navigated the Arete, or found a reliable overnight spot nearby, feel free to share your comments. Your insights help shape the archive and support fellow travellers.

Sources Used
These sites provide far more detailed and comprehensive overviews of the walks and Munros than I could hope to cover here:

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