Region: Loch Rannoch to Loch Tay
Height: 1,029m (3,376 ft)
Càrn Mairg is the eastern anchor of the Glen Lyon circuit, often climbed with Carn Gorm, Meall Garbh, and Meall nan Aighean. Its name, “peak of the boundary” or “peak of sorrow,” carries a quiet weight, echoed in the broad summit and sweeping views across the moor. Though not the highest of the round, it holds a legacy prominence, marking both transition and return. For campervan travellers, access is scenic and practical, with options near Invervar and Bridge of Balgie.
Trailhead and Parking
Primary Access Point: Invervar Loop Trailhead
Location: Minor Road off the B846, near Bridge of Balgie
Grid Reference: NN665478 (trailhead)
Summit Grid Reference: NN635509
Capacity: Small roadside layby; suitable for short campervans during the day
Facilities: None at the trailhead; nearest services in Fortingall or Aberfeldy
Charges: Free
Overnight: Not permitted
Alternative Options
- Aberfeldy: Campsite with full facilities, 30-minute drive from the trailhead
- Wild parking: Possible in designated laybys along Glen Lyon (check signage and seasonal restrictions)
- Bridge of Balgie: Café and informal parking options
Route Overview
Standard Ascent: Glen Lyon Circuit via Invervar Burn
Distance: Approximately 25 km round trip (full circuit)
Elevation Gain: Around 1,200 metres
Terrain: Estate tracks, grassy slopes, heather moorland
Time Estimate: 7 to 9 hours
Extensions:
- The circuit can be reversed or shortened depending on conditions
- Often used as a full-day round for legacy pacing
Navigation Notes
- Circuit is long but well-defined; summits are broad and exposed
- A map and compass are recommended; a GPS is helpful for transitions
- The weather can shift quickly across the moor
- The summit cairn is prominent, but visibility can drop in mist
Campervan Suitability
Day Parking
- Invervar layby allows daytime campervan access
- Aberfeldy offers overflow options and amenities
Overnight Options
- Aberfeldy Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
- Wild parking may be possible in designated laybys
- No overnighting permitted at Invervar trailhead
Fuel and Supplies
- Aberfeldy: Fuel station, supermarket, cafés
- Nearest large supermarket: Aberfeldy town centre
- Water refill: Recommended before entering Glen Lyon
Legacy Log
- Name origin: “Càrn Mairg” may translate to “peak of sorrow” or “boundary cairn”
- Summit features: Cairn with views across Glen Lyon, Schiehallion, and the Lawers range
- Known for: Circuit potential, quiet prominence, and legacy resonance
- Popular with: Long-distance walkers, legacy stewards, and those seeking a full Glen Lyon round
Closing Notes
This is Munro Profile 91 in your campervan-access series. If you’ve climbed Càrn Mairg, linked it with the Glen Lyon circuit, 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: