Carn Bhac
Meaning: Hill of Peatbanks
Munro Region: Glen Garry to Braemar
Munro Number: 216
Height in Metres: 946
Height in Feet: 3104
OS Map Reference OS Sheet 43; 051832
Description:
Beinn Iutharn Mhor and Carn Bhac are the highest hills in the area south-south-west of Inverey between the headwaters of the River Tilt and the Ey Burn. Beinn Iutharn Mhor is a big hill at the head of Glen Ey, forming a great horseshoe with its two lower tops, Mam nan Carn and Beinn Iutharn Beag. Carn Bhac is a lower rounded hill 4 kilometres to its north, lying at the edge of the National Trust for Scotland's Mar Lodge estate.
A good track goes 8 kilometres up Glen Ey from Inverey to the ruins of Altanour Lodge, and this gives the best route of access to both hills, particularly as it is possible to cycle to the lodge ruins. From there go up the north bank of the Alltan Odhar for about 2 kilometres, bear north-west to the col between Carn Bhac and Carn Creagach and climb the broad ridge to Carn Bhac. Continue south-west for 1½ kilometres to the South-west Top of Carn Bhac and then go south along a broad undulating ridge of eroded peat banks which ends under the scree slopes of Beinn Iutharn Mhor. Climb steeply to the main ridge of the hill ½ kilometre north-east of the summit.
The most direct return to Altanour Lodge is down the long north-east ridge, but it is possible to extend the traverse by going south to Mam nan Carn and then north-east to Beinn Iutharn Beag along broad stony ridges, finally descending to reach the headwaters of the Ey Burn 2 kilometres upstream from Altanour Lodge.