975 m summit in Perthshire Highlands. 8 forecast days covering wind, cloud, rain and temperature, updated 5 November 2026 at 16:25 UTC.
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Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather74Good
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0010-25 mph southeasterlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:0020-30 mphFeels like-8 to -4°CPrecipitationLittle or noneCloud-free summit estimate10%Cloud base through day700-1,600 mFreezing levelAbove summitDaylightSunrise 07:32 · Sunset 16:23 · 8.8 hours daylight
The day on the hill
Dry and breezy on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò). Cloud could cover the tops and limit the views.
Wind
On the summit expect a south-easterly wind of 10–25 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 20–30 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 mph. A wind like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop.
Cloud and visibility
Clear spells are possible, but cloud could cover the tops for part of the day. Forecast models differ on how much summit cloud develops. The cloud base lifts through the day. The cloud base could be as low as 700–1000 m first thing. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass.
Rain and ground
It should stay dry.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around -2 to 2°C, feeling like -8 to -4°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:25pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
Cloud height is hard to pin down, so the summit could be in or out of cloud at short notice. Things could still change through the day, so keep an eye on the sky.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 0.9 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Cloud may obscure this summit even while the surrounding model grid indicates sunshine. The low cloud-free summit estimate is a reason to be cautious about expecting views.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
MixedSummit winds around 10-25 mph. Gusts around 20-30 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later.
67
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
GoodSummit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 20-30 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud becomes more persistent later.
81
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air: gusts of about 25 mph.59Mixed · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Thursday 5 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
A mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air. Gusts reach about 25 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the southeast. Dry to pitch, then a little rain overnight, easing by morning, though the tent may still be wet. Up around 900 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. The air is damp at every height we checked (300-900 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. A cold night, down to about 2°C around 900 m. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about 0°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 5 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 6 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
12 mph / 19 mph
Typical / low
3.9°C / 3.6°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
14 mph / 23 mph
Typical / low
3.9°C / 3.6°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m50 · mixed
Wind / gust
17 mph / 27 mph
Typical / low
2.5°C / 2.2°C · much of the night
In cloud
100% of modelled night
Condensation
High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 0°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Fair conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. Gusts of 20–30 mph will be noticeable on exposed ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly quartzite, a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands. On the usual routes up you may also cross schist, which has only fair grip when dry and is slippery when wet, as the mica gives it a greasy sheen. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceProbably dryPeak gust20-30 mphRain0.0 mm
Main concernmuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
QuartziteAn Socach Quartzite Formation
Quartzite is a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
quartzite, psammite, pelite or semipelite
Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation
4 rock types appear in the mapped samples
Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.
Summit-area sample
QuartziteAn Socach Quartzite Formation434–1,016 m samplesSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Quartzite is a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands.
BGS record →
Route sample
Graphitic peliteGlen Clunie Graphitic Schist FormationAround 739 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Schist is a flaky, mica-rich rock that splits into layers. It has only fair grip when dry and is slippery when wet, as the mica gives it a greasy sheen. It splits easily along its layers, so flakes and ledges can be loose, and it is often grassy and vegetated.
BGS record →
Route sample
Psammite and semipeliteBeinn A'Ghlo Transition FormationAround 628 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Psammite banded with schist is a hard, sandy rock with flakier, mica-rich layers. It grips well on the harder bands when dry and is slippery on the mica-rich layers when wet. The flaky layers split easily, so some flakes and ledges are loose.
BGS record →
Summit-area sample
Semipelite and psammiteGlen Loch Phyllite and Limestone FormationAround 532 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Psammite banded with schist is a hard, sandy rock with flakier, mica-rich layers. It grips well on the harder bands when dry and is slippery on the mica-rich layers when wet. The flaky layers split easily, so some flakes and ledges are loose.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò) on Thursday 5 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Summit wind · 08:00-17:005-20 mph southeasterlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:0015-25 mphFeels like-4 to 0°CPrecipitationUp to around 2 mmCloud-free summit estimate10%Cloud base through day600-900 mFreezing levelAbove summitDaylightSunrise 07:34 · Sunset 16:21 · 8.8 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A mixed day on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), with the summit in cloud for most of the day.
Wind
On the summit expect a south-easterly wind of 5–20 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 15–25 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 mph.
Cloud and visibility
Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 600–900 m mid-afternoon. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass.
Rain and ground
Drizzle at first, clearing by early afternoon.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 0 to 4°C, feeling like -4 to 0°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:20pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 0 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
MixedSummit winds around 10-20 mph. Gusts around 15-25 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
64
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
MixedSummit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 15-25 mph are possible on exposed ground.
66
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air: dry, with light winds.59Mixed · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Friday 6 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
A mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 15 mph. It should stay dry. Up around 900 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. The air is damp at every height we checked (300-900 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. A cold night, down to about 2°C around 900 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Cloud may affect views of the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 6 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 7 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
7 mph / 12 mph
Typical / low
4.3°C / 4.0°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
8 mph / 15 mph
Typical / low
4.3°C / 4.0°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
9 mph / 17 mph
Typical / low
2.5°C / 2.3°C · much of the night
In cloud
27% of modelled night
Condensation
High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Mixed conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly quartzite, a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands. On the usual routes up you may also cross schist, which has only fair grip when dry and is slippery when wet, as the mica gives it a greasy sheen. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust15-25 mphRain0.7 mm
Main factorswet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
QuartziteAn Socach Quartzite Formation
Quartzite is a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
quartzite, psammite, pelite or semipelite
Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation
4 rock types appear in the mapped samples
Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.
Summit-area sample
QuartziteAn Socach Quartzite Formation434–1,016 m samplesSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Quartzite is a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands.
BGS record →
Route sample
Graphitic peliteGlen Clunie Graphitic Schist FormationAround 739 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Schist is a flaky, mica-rich rock that splits into layers. It has only fair grip when dry and is slippery when wet, as the mica gives it a greasy sheen. It splits easily along its layers, so flakes and ledges can be loose, and it is often grassy and vegetated.
BGS record →
Route sample
Psammite and semipeliteBeinn A'Ghlo Transition FormationAround 628 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Psammite banded with schist is a hard, sandy rock with flakier, mica-rich layers. It grips well on the harder bands when dry and is slippery on the mica-rich layers when wet. The flaky layers split easily, so some flakes and ledges are loose.
BGS record →
Summit-area sample
Semipelite and psammiteGlen Loch Phyllite and Limestone FormationAround 532 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Psammite banded with schist is a hard, sandy rock with flakier, mica-rich layers. It grips well on the harder bands when dry and is slippery on the mica-rich layers when wet. The flaky layers split easily, so some flakes and ledges are loose.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò) on Friday 6 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Summit wind · 08:00-17:000-15 mph southeasterlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:005-15 mphFeels like-4 to 0°CPrecipitationLittle or noneCloud-free summit estimate10%Cloud base through day700-1,000 mFreezing levelAbove summitDaylightSunrise 07:37 · Sunset 16:19 · 8.7 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A mixed day on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), with the summit in cloud for most of the day.
Wind
On the summit expect light winds of up to 10 mph, mainly south-easterly, with gusts of 5–15 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 5 mph.
Cloud and visibility
Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 600–900 m around midday. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass.
Rain and ground
It should stay dry.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 0 to 4°C, feeling like -4 to 0°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:20pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
Cloud height is hard to pin down, so the summit could be in or out of cloud at short notice. It's still two days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 0.8 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Cloud may obscure this summit even while the surrounding model grid indicates sunshine. The low cloud-free summit estimate is a reason to be cautious about expecting views.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
MixedSummit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground.
66
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
MixedSummit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground.
65
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air: dry, with light winds.59Mixed · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Saturday 7 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
A mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 15 mph. It should stay dry. Above about 600 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. The air is damp at every height we checked (300-900 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. A cold night, down to about 2°C around 900 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Good conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly quartzite, a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands. On the usual routes up you may also cross schist, which has only fair grip when dry and is slippery when wet, as the mica gives it a greasy sheen. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceProbably dryPeak gust5-15 mphRain0.1 mm
Main concernmuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
QuartziteAn Socach Quartzite Formation
Quartzite is a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
quartzite, psammite, pelite or semipelite
Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation
4 rock types appear in the mapped samples
Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.
Summit-area sample
QuartziteAn Socach Quartzite Formation434–1,016 m samplesSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Quartzite is a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands.
BGS record →
Route sample
Graphitic peliteGlen Clunie Graphitic Schist FormationAround 739 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Schist is a flaky, mica-rich rock that splits into layers. It has only fair grip when dry and is slippery when wet, as the mica gives it a greasy sheen. It splits easily along its layers, so flakes and ledges can be loose, and it is often grassy and vegetated.
BGS record →
Route sample
Psammite and semipeliteBeinn A'Ghlo Transition FormationAround 628 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Psammite banded with schist is a hard, sandy rock with flakier, mica-rich layers. It grips well on the harder bands when dry and is slippery on the mica-rich layers when wet. The flaky layers split easily, so some flakes and ledges are loose.
BGS record →
Summit-area sample
Semipelite and psammiteGlen Loch Phyllite and Limestone FormationAround 532 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Psammite banded with schist is a hard, sandy rock with flakier, mica-rich layers. It grips well on the harder bands when dry and is slippery on the mica-rich layers when wet. The flaky layers split easily, so some flakes and ledges are loose.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò) on Saturday 7 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Summit wind · 08:00-17:000-10 mph northeasterlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:005-15 mphFeels like-2 to 2°CPrecipitationLittle or noneCloud-free summit estimate55%Cloud base through day500-1,600 mFreezing level1,000-1,300 mDaylightSunrise 07:39 · Sunset 16:17 · 8.6 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A good day on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò): dry, with light winds.
Wind
On the summit expect light winds of up to 10 mph, mainly north-easterly, with gusts of 5–15 mph at the windiest.
Cloud and visibility
Cloud on the tops early should lift off them by mid-morning. The cloud base could be as low as 500–800 m early in the morning. Mist or fog is possible in the valleys early on, clearing by about 7am.
Rain and ground
It should stay dry.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 0 to 4°C, feeling like -2 to 2°C in the wind. The freezing level is close to summit height. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:15pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
Cloud height is hard to pin down, so the summit could be in or out of cloud at short notice. It's still three days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates Less than 1 hour of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
GoodSummit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later.
74
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
ExcellentSummit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 0-10 mph are possible on exposed ground.
90
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air: dry, with light winds.59Mixed · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Sunday 8 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
A mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 11 mph. It should stay dry. Above about 600 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. The air is damp below about 600 m, so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. A cold night, down to about 2°C around 900 m. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about 0°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 0°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Good conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly quartzite, a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands. On the usual routes up you may also cross schist, which has only fair grip when dry and is slippery when wet, as the mica gives it a greasy sheen. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceProbably dryPeak gust5-15 mphRain0.0 mm
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
QuartziteAn Socach Quartzite Formation
Quartzite is a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
quartzite, psammite, pelite or semipelite
Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation
4 rock types appear in the mapped samples
Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.
Summit-area sample
QuartziteAn Socach Quartzite Formation434–1,016 m samplesSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Quartzite is a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands.
BGS record →
Route sample
Graphitic peliteGlen Clunie Graphitic Schist FormationAround 739 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Schist is a flaky, mica-rich rock that splits into layers. It has only fair grip when dry and is slippery when wet, as the mica gives it a greasy sheen. It splits easily along its layers, so flakes and ledges can be loose, and it is often grassy and vegetated.
BGS record →
Route sample
Psammite and semipeliteBeinn A'Ghlo Transition FormationAround 628 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Psammite banded with schist is a hard, sandy rock with flakier, mica-rich layers. It grips well on the harder bands when dry and is slippery on the mica-rich layers when wet. The flaky layers split easily, so some flakes and ledges are loose.
BGS record →
Summit-area sample
Semipelite and psammiteGlen Loch Phyllite and Limestone FormationAround 532 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Psammite banded with schist is a hard, sandy rock with flakier, mica-rich layers. It grips well on the harder bands when dry and is slippery on the mica-rich layers when wet. The flaky layers split easily, so some flakes and ledges are loose.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò) on Sunday 8 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Summit wind · 08:00-17:005-15 mph southeasterlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:0010-20 mphFeels like-6 to -2°CPrecipitationLittle or noneCloud-free summit estimate70%Cloud base through day1,100-1,700 mFreezing level900-1,200 mDaylightSunrise 07:41 · Sunset 16:15 · 8.6 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A good day on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò): dry, with light winds.
Wind
On the summit expect light winds of up to 15 mph, mainly south-easterly, with gusts of 10–20 mph at the windiest.
Cloud and visibility
The tops are likely to drift in and out of cloud, with the best chance of a clear summit mid-morning. The cloud base could be as low as 500–800 m mid-morning. Mist or fog is possible in the valleys early on, clearing by about 10am.
Rain and ground
It should stay dry.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 0 to 4°C, feeling like -6 to -2°C in the wind. The freezing level is close to summit height. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:15pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
Cloud height is hard to pin down, so the summit could be in or out of cloud at short notice. It's still four days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 1 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
GoodSummit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later.
75
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
ExcellentSummit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground.
93
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air: dry, with light winds.59Mixed · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Monday 9 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
A mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 25 mph. It should stay dry. Above about 600 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. The air is damp at every height we checked (300-900 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. A cold night, down to about 1°C around 900 m. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about 0°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 0°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Good conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. The rock around the summit is mostly quartzite, a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands. On the usual routes up you may also cross schist, which has only fair grip when dry and is slippery when wet, as the mica gives it a greasy sheen. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceProbably dryPeak gust10-20 mphRain0.0 mm
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
QuartziteAn Socach Quartzite Formation
Quartzite is a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
quartzite, psammite, pelite or semipelite
Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation
4 rock types appear in the mapped samples
Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.
Summit-area sample
QuartziteAn Socach Quartzite Formation434–1,016 m samplesSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Quartzite is a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands.
BGS record →
Route sample
Graphitic peliteGlen Clunie Graphitic Schist FormationAround 739 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Schist is a flaky, mica-rich rock that splits into layers. It has only fair grip when dry and is slippery when wet, as the mica gives it a greasy sheen. It splits easily along its layers, so flakes and ledges can be loose, and it is often grassy and vegetated.
BGS record →
Route sample
Psammite and semipeliteBeinn A'Ghlo Transition FormationAround 628 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Psammite banded with schist is a hard, sandy rock with flakier, mica-rich layers. It grips well on the harder bands when dry and is slippery on the mica-rich layers when wet. The flaky layers split easily, so some flakes and ledges are loose.
BGS record →
Summit-area sample
Semipelite and psammiteGlen Loch Phyllite and Limestone FormationAround 532 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Psammite banded with schist is a hard, sandy rock with flakier, mica-rich layers. It grips well on the harder bands when dry and is slippery on the mica-rich layers when wet. The flaky layers split easily, so some flakes and ledges are loose.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò) on Monday 9 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0015-25 mph southeasterlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:0020-30 mphFeels like-6 to -2°CPrecipitationUp to around 2 mmCloud-free summit estimate30%Cloud base through day500-1,100 mFreezing level900-1,200 mDaylightSunrise 07:43 · Sunset 16:13 · 8.5 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A mixed day on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), with sleet or snow on the tops and cloud coming and going on the summit.
Snow and navigation
Sleet or snow is possible on the tops in the morning, with small temperature changes affecting the mix. The air freezing level is roughly 1000 to 1200 m above sea level. Snow can fall below this, but its lower limit is uncertain.
Wind
On the summit expect a south-easterly wind of 15–25 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 20–30 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 mph.
Cloud and visibility
Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 500–800 m mid-morning. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass. Mist or fog is possible in the valleys early on, clearing by about 10am. Any sunshine is more likely on lower ground than on the summit.
Rain and ground
Sleet is possible on the tops, and it could turn to snow if it is a little colder. Drizzle sets in mid-morning. Expect up to 2 mm in total, measured as melted water, so any snow would lie deeper. Some forecast models keep it drier in the afternoon.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 0 to 4°C, feeling like -6 to -2°C in the wind. The freezing level is close to summit height. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 8 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:15pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
It's still five days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 5 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Cloud may obscure this summit even while the surrounding model grid indicates sunshine. The low cloud-free summit estimate is a reason to be cautious about expecting views.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
MixedSummit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 20-30 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
53
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
MixedSummit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 20-30 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the afternoon, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.
51
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of the rain: gusts of about 25 mph.54Mixed · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Tuesday 10 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
A mixed night to camp, mainly because of the rain. Gusts reach about 25 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the southeast. The wind swings from southeasterly to northerly overnight, so a pitch sheltered at dusk may not be by morning. Dry to pitch, then some light rain overnight and into the morning, so expect to pack a wet tent. Above about 600 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. A cold night, down to about 2°C around 900 m. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about 0°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 0°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Gusts of 20–30 mph will be noticeable on exposed ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly quartzite, a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands. On the usual routes up you may also cross schist, which has only fair grip when dry and is slippery when wet, as the mica gives it a greasy sheen. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust20-30 mphRain0.6 mm
Main factorswet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
QuartziteAn Socach Quartzite Formation
Quartzite is a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
quartzite, psammite, pelite or semipelite
Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation
4 rock types appear in the mapped samples
Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.
Summit-area sample
QuartziteAn Socach Quartzite Formation434–1,016 m samplesSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Quartzite is a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands.
BGS record →
Route sample
Graphitic peliteGlen Clunie Graphitic Schist FormationAround 739 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Schist is a flaky, mica-rich rock that splits into layers. It has only fair grip when dry and is slippery when wet, as the mica gives it a greasy sheen. It splits easily along its layers, so flakes and ledges can be loose, and it is often grassy and vegetated.
BGS record →
Route sample
Psammite and semipeliteBeinn A'Ghlo Transition FormationAround 628 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Psammite banded with schist is a hard, sandy rock with flakier, mica-rich layers. It grips well on the harder bands when dry and is slippery on the mica-rich layers when wet. The flaky layers split easily, so some flakes and ledges are loose.
BGS record →
Summit-area sample
Semipelite and psammiteGlen Loch Phyllite and Limestone FormationAround 532 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Psammite banded with schist is a hard, sandy rock with flakier, mica-rich layers. It grips well on the harder bands when dry and is slippery on the mica-rich layers when wet. The flaky layers split easily, so some flakes and ledges are loose.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò) on Tuesday 10 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
A fine day on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò): dry and breezy.
Wind
On the summit expect a northerly wind of 10–25 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 25–35 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop.
Cloud and visibility
The tops are likely to stay mostly clear of cloud, though brief patches cannot be ruled out.
Rain and ground
It should stay dry.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around -4 to 0°C, feeling like -10 to -6°C in the wind. The freezing level falls through the day, to around 900–1200 m by early afternoon. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 8 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:10pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
It's still six days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 8 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
ExcellentSummit winds around 10-20 mph. Gusts around 15-25 mph are possible on exposed ground.
95
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
GoodSummit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground.
82
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA poor night to camp on open ground: a frost, down to -3°C.39Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Wednesday 11 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
A poor night to camp on open ground. Gusts reach about 35 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the north. It should stay dry. A frost at every height we checked (300-900 m), down to about -3°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -4°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about -4°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be drying, but damp patches, shaded holds and drainage lines may still be wet. Icy patches are likely on the rock, which makes it treacherous without winter kit. Gusts of 25–35 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. The rock around the summit is mostly quartzite, a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands. On the usual routes up you may also cross schist, which has only fair grip when dry and is slippery when wet, as the mica gives it a greasy sheen. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceDamp or dryingPeak gust25-35 mphRain0.0 mm
Main factorsdamp or incompletely dried rock possibleSub-zero temperatures and moisture may leave icy patches on exposed rock
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
QuartziteAn Socach Quartzite Formation
Quartzite is a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
quartzite, psammite, pelite or semipelite
Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation
4 rock types appear in the mapped samples
Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.
Summit-area sample
QuartziteAn Socach Quartzite Formation434–1,016 m samplesSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Quartzite is a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands.
BGS record →
Route sample
Graphitic peliteGlen Clunie Graphitic Schist FormationAround 739 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Schist is a flaky, mica-rich rock that splits into layers. It has only fair grip when dry and is slippery when wet, as the mica gives it a greasy sheen. It splits easily along its layers, so flakes and ledges can be loose, and it is often grassy and vegetated.
BGS record →
Route sample
Psammite and semipeliteBeinn A'Ghlo Transition FormationAround 628 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Psammite banded with schist is a hard, sandy rock with flakier, mica-rich layers. It grips well on the harder bands when dry and is slippery on the mica-rich layers when wet. The flaky layers split easily, so some flakes and ledges are loose.
BGS record →
Summit-area sample
Semipelite and psammiteGlen Loch Phyllite and Limestone FormationAround 532 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Psammite banded with schist is a hard, sandy rock with flakier, mica-rich layers. It grips well on the harder bands when dry and is slippery on the mica-rich layers when wet. The flaky layers split easily, so some flakes and ledges are loose.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò) on Wednesday 11 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Dry and breezy on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), with a bitter wind chill. Cloud could cover the tops and limit the views.
Wind
On the summit expect a northerly wind of 20–30 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 30–40 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop. It gets windier still after dark, with summit gusts of 30–40 mph, so bear that in mind if you will be out late.
Cloud and visibility
Clear spells are possible, but cloud could cover the tops for part of the day. Forecast models differ on how much summit cloud develops.
Rain and ground
It should stay dry.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around -6 to -2°C, feeling like -14 to -10°C in the wind. The freezing level is around 400–700 m, so it will be below freezing on the tops. Hat, gloves and a warm insulated layer are essential, with extra warmth for stops.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 8 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:10pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
It's still seven days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 8 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
GoodSummit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground.
70
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
MixedSummit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground.
69
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaToo windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m (gusts of about 45 mph and a frost, down to -5°C). Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground.39Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Thursday 12 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
Too windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m. Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground. Gusts reach about 45 mph around 900 m and nearer 30 mph around 300 m, enough to damage a tent on open ground. Pitch low down and in real shelter, or leave it for another night. It should stay dry. A frost at every height we checked (300-900 m), down to about -5°C. A 4-season bag rated to about -6°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Clear spells may allow a view of the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 12 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 13 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
23 mph / 32 mph
Typical / low
-2.6°C / -2.8°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
600 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
27 mph / 39 mph
Typical / low
-2.6°C / -2.8°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
900 m19 · very poor
Wind / gust
32 mph / 46 mph
Typical / low
-4.3°C / -4.7°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 4-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about -6°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaFair conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 30–40 mph.Mixed67View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Fair conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. Gusts of 30–40 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. The rock around the summit is mostly quartzite, a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands. On the usual routes up you may also cross schist, which has only fair grip when dry and is slippery when wet, as the mica gives it a greasy sheen. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceProbably dryPeak gust30-40 mphRain0.0 mm
Main concerngusts of 30–40 mph
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
QuartziteAn Socach Quartzite Formation
Quartzite is a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
quartzite, psammite, pelite or semipelite
Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation
4 rock types appear in the mapped samples
Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.
Summit-area sample
QuartziteAn Socach Quartzite Formation434–1,016 m samplesSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Quartzite is a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. It grips well when dry and is notoriously slippery when wet. It splits into sharp, angular blocks, so expect loose scree and boulder fields, and edges that can cut gloves and hands.
BGS record →
Route sample
Graphitic peliteGlen Clunie Graphitic Schist FormationAround 739 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Schist is a flaky, mica-rich rock that splits into layers. It has only fair grip when dry and is slippery when wet, as the mica gives it a greasy sheen. It splits easily along its layers, so flakes and ledges can be loose, and it is often grassy and vegetated.
BGS record →
Route sample
Psammite and semipeliteBeinn A'Ghlo Transition FormationAround 628 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Psammite banded with schist is a hard, sandy rock with flakier, mica-rich layers. It grips well on the harder bands when dry and is slippery on the mica-rich layers when wet. The flaky layers split easily, so some flakes and ledges are loose.
BGS record →
Summit-area sample
Semipelite and psammiteGlen Loch Phyllite and Limestone FormationAround 532 mSeen on Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò), Bràigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Càrn nan Gabhar
Psammite banded with schist is a hard, sandy rock with flakier, mica-rich layers. It grips well on the harder bands when dry and is slippery on the mica-rich layers when wet. The flaky layers split easily, so some flakes and ledges are loose.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò) on Thursday 12 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Plan Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò) with Munro Planner
Càrn Liath (Beinn a' Ghlò) is one of Scotland’s 282 Munros. Munro Planner compares all 282 by forecast, summit views and drive time, with walking routes, times and OS map references for each hill.
