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The Sustainable Stop

Munro Profile 12: Carn Eige

Region: Loch Duich to Loch Ness, South of Loch Mullardoch
Height: 1,183m (3,881 ft)

Carn Eige is the highest point north of the Great Glen and the tallest mountain outside the Ben Nevis range. Remote and rugged, it’s often climbed as part of a long circuit with Mam Sodhail and Beinn Fhionnlaidh. For campervan travellers, access involves a scenic drive and a long walk-in, but the summit rewards with vast views and deep solitude.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Affric Lodge Car Park (Glen Affric)

  • Location: End of the public road in Glen Affric, near Cannich
  • Grid Reference: NH200233
  • Capacity: Limited, suitable for small campervans during the day
  • Facilities: No toilets or water; nearest services in Cannich
  • Charges: Free
  • Overnight: Not permitted

Alternative Options

  • Dog Falls Car Park: Forestry site with toilets, 5 km from the trailhead
  • Cannich: Campsite with full facilities, suitable for overnight stays
  • Wild parking: Possible in designated laybys along the Glen Affric road (check signage)

Note: The approach road is narrow and winding. Drive cautiously, especially in larger vehicles

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Affric 3 Circuit via Gleann nam Fiadh

  • Distance: Approximately 30 km round trip
  • Elevation Gain: Around 1,500 metres
  • Terrain: Estate tracks, steep slopes, rocky ridges
  • Time Estimate: 8 to 10 hours

Navigation Notes

  • Remote terrain with limited signage map; a compass, or GPS is essential
  • Often combined with Mam Sodhail and Beinn Fhionnlaidh for a full-day traverse
  • Weather exposure is significant; the route is committing and isolated

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

  • Affric Lodge Car Park allows daytime campervan access (small vehicles only)
  • Dog Falls Car Park offers overflow and facilities

Overnight Options

  • Cannich Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
  • Wild parking may be possible in designated laybys (check signage and local guidance)
  • No overnighting permitted at Affric Lodge or Dog Falls

Fuel and Supplies

  • Cannich: Small shop and fuel station
  • Nearest large supermarket: Drumnadrochit or Inverness

Legacy Log

  • Name origin: “Càrn Eighe” translates to “notched cairn”
  • Summit features: Cairn with expansive views across the north Highlands
  • Notable geography: Highest point north of the Great Glen
  • Often part of the Affric 3 circuit with Mam Sodhail and Beinn Fhionnlaidh

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 12 in our every-second-day campervan-access series. If you’ve climbed Carn Eige, parked in Glen Affric, or have tips for navigating the circuit, 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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