Strathconon

I left my vehicle in the car park at the end of the public road in Strathconon, located mid way along the north shore of Loch Beannacharain, and accessed along a single track road from the A832 at Marybank. 

Mist covered Loch Beannacharain
Mist covered Loch Beannacharain

To the north of the parking area the hillside had been fenced off from the deer due to tree planting but a gate in the deer fence allowed entry.  A little used vehicle track then rose steadily through the plantation to the upper fence where there was another gate.

Across Loch Beannacharain to Meall Bhuidhe
Across Loch Beannacharain to Meall Bhuidhe

Beyond, the vehicle track came to end so I headed north-east then later north across the moorland. Higher up there were lots of peat hags and after working my way through them I climbed to the summit of the Tump, Cnap na Feola, which was marked by a cairn.

In low cloud I descended WNW through more peat hags before commencing the ascent of Carn an Leanaidh. There was little change in the underfoot condition as I climbed to the summit of this Tump which was marked by a rock.

After a break I headed off in a north-westerly direction with even more peat hags to contend with. I then climbed the Tump, Carn a’ Chaorainn, followed by its North-West Top. My route then continued west to the col with Carn Mhartuin then I ascended this Tump where the highest point was marked by a trig pillar.

The descent south took me to a vehicle track, a Right of Way between Achnasheen to Strathconon, which was followed south-east into and through the forest before emerging near Scardroy Lodge. A short walk along the tarred road returned me to the car park.

Loch Beannacharain on return
Loch Beannacharain on return
Stag feeding
Stag feeding
Stag
Stag
Stag
Stag
Stag
Stag
  • Time taken – 5.5 hours.
  • Distance – 15.5 kilometres.
  • Height climbed – 685 metres.