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The Sustainable Stop

Munro Profile 31: Carn nan Gabhar (Beinn a’ Ghlo)

Region: Eastern Highlands – Atholl Forest
Height: 1,121.9m (3,679 ft)

Carn nan Gabhar, “cairn of the goats,” is the highest and northernmost summit of the Beinn a’ Ghlo massif, a sculptural range of three Munros rising above the folds of Glen Tilt and Loch Moraig. Its long crest and remote feel offer a mythic contrast to the more accessible Carn Liath and Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain, which precede it in the classic ridge traverse. The summit is broad and boulder-framed, with panoramic views across Gaick, Glen Feshie, and the distant Cairngorms. For campervan travellers, access begins at Loch Moraig, just above Blair Atholl, with fine estate tracks and legacy-linked glens.

Trailhead and Parking

The main access point is the Loch Moraig parking area, reached via a narrow estate road from Blair Atholl. The route passes through farmland and cattle grids, ending at a discreet gravel layby near the loch. It’s suitable for daytime campervan access, though turning space is limited. Facilities are absent at the trailhead, but Blair Atholl offers toilets, fuel, cafés, and outdoor gear. Overnighting is possible with discretion in roadside laybys or at the Blair Castle campsite, which offers full amenities and ceremonial staging.

Route Overview

Most pilgrims approach Carn nan Gabhar as part of the Beinn a’ Ghlo ridge, beginning with a steep ascent of Carn Liath, followed by a winding traverse to Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain, and finally a long push to Carn nan Gabhar’s summit dome. The full circuit is ~22 km with ~1,480 metres of ascent, taking 7 to 8 hours depending on pacing and weather. The terrain includes constructed paths, faint ridgelines, and boggy transitions, ideal for slow, deliberate movement and legacy reflection.

Navigation Notes

The initial climb up Carn Liath is well-defined, but beyond the second summit, paths become faint and navigation skills are essential. The final approach to Carn nan Gabhar includes a minor top and a broad, cairned dome. In mist, the ridge can feel pathless and exposed; a map and compass are essential, and GPS is helpful for summit identification and descent planning. The return route can retrace the ridge or descend via Airgiod Bheinn, a minor top offering a gentler exit.

Summit Grid Ref: NN971733 — useful for GPS and mapping

Campervan Suitability

Day parking at Loch Moraig is scenic and quiet, though limited in size. Overnight options include the Blair Castle campsite, wild laybys near Glen Tilt, and community-supported staging in Blair Atholl. The estate road is narrow, drive with care and respect local signage.

Fuel and Supplies

Blair Atholl offers a fuel station, small shop, café, and outdoor gear. Pitlochry provides larger supermarkets and medical services. Water refill and restocking are best done before entering the estate road.

Legacy Log

Carn nan Gabhar’s name evokes the quiet strength of mountain goats, and its summit lives up to the image, remote, resilient, and panoramic. Known for its prominence, ridge linkage, and mythic solitude, it draws legacy stewards and endurance pilgrims alike. The full Beinn a’ Ghlo traverse is a ceremonial journey through sculptural terrain and emotional pacing.

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 31 in your campervan-access series. If you’ve traced the goats’ hush, paused at the northern crest, or found a rhythm in Atholl’s sculptural folds, your reflections are welcome. Each insight helps shape the archive and supports 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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