Càrn Eighe
Mountain Munro peak in the Northwest Highlands, dramatic ridgelines
Càrn Eighe in the Torridon area is the highest peak in the NW Highlands, a Munro with long ridges, corries and glaciated terrain; hillwalkers come for multi‑day routes and mountain challenges.
Càrn Eighe is a mountain in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland with a summit at about 1,183 metres (3,880 feet). It is noted for its height and for being one of the major Munros of the region.
Walkers and mountaineers visit for ridge routes and summit views; common approaches use long ridge walks that can be combined with nearby peaks. Terrain includes corries and steep slopes typical of the Highlands, requiring good navigation and hillcraft in poor weather.
The mountain has long been recorded in Scottish mapping and hill lists and has been a destination for recreational climbers since the development of mountaineering and Munro-bagging traditions in the late 19th and 20th centuries. There is no significant built heritage on the summit.
Càrn Eighe lies in the Torridon/Northwest Highlands area of Scotland within the Highland council area, accessible from nearby glens and hillhead settlements such as Achnasheen and Glen Carron.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is 1,183 metres, qualifying it as a Munro and making it the highest peak in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland.
How to Get to Càrn Eighe #
Approaches are typically from the Achnasheen area or Glen Affric. Public transport to remote starts is limited; most walkers drive via the A832 and forest roads to trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Càrn Eighe #
- Mountain weather changes fast-start early to avoid afternoon cloud and wind on ridgelines.
- Many approaches begin from Glen Affric or nearby forest roads; check track conditions and use a good OS map if walking independently.
- If aiming for the summit, be prepared for steep, rocky sections and bring map, compass and navigation skills.
Best Time to Visit Càrn Eighe #
Best visited in summer for accessibility and extended daylight; check weather forecasts and be prepared for highland conditions year-round.
Weather & Climate near Càrn Eighe #
Càrn Eighe's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -3°C to 13°C. Heavy rainfall (3186 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (383 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (260 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (314 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (179 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (204 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (290 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (342 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (358 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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December
December is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Heavy rain (363 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
