Lorna’s Mountains 2020
Date:	Where:	Munro (M)		Notes:
		Corbett (C)
		Graham (G)
		No:	Total:
4^th January	The Falls of Bruar & An Teampan (Struan Point).			Two short walks for the new year. Walked the Falls of Bruar circuit after a full cooked breakfast at House of Bruar. Then drove over to Struan and parked at the old kirk. Walked the hill path up to An Teampan (The Temples), just beyond Struan Point. Returned in time for coffee and cake back at the House of Bruar. Dry day, dull and mild.
12^th January	Ben Rinnes.			Repeat Corbett via a different route to last time. Approached from the south, parking near Bridge of Tomachlaven and following the track northwards over Foggy Moss and Muckle Shank. Visited the summit trig on the rocky outcrop of Scurran of Lochterlandoch then two other similar outcrops: Scurran of Morinsh and Lady’s Chair. Another outcrop, the Scurran of Well, was viewed and photographed from the hillside above it. Nice day but windy on the high ground with severe wind-chill to exposed hands.
18^th January	Broad Cairn, Spittal of Glenmuick.			Repeat Munro. Walked the track out and back from Spittal of Glenmuick. Intended to use the Corrie Chash footpath but it looked too dangerous with the icy conditions underfoot. Nice winter’s day but very windy on the high ground. Poor snow cover. Icy on the track and ice-glazed rocks around the summit cairn. Darkness finish.
25^th January	Carn Mhartuin, Strathconon.			Parked at the end of the public road and walked the track past Scardroy Lodge and up parallel to the Scardroy Burn. Located the well on the map called Tobar Dheirgein but not much to see, more like a spring. The track and forestry may have disturbed the original setting. Returned on the outward route. Overcast day but dry with brisk wind at the trig.
1^st February	Farrmheall, Durness.			Short walk from the Allt na Gualainne road bridge to the summit cairn at 521m. Continued to the radio mast on the 460m outlier for views out to Cape Wrath. Direct descent from the wide, intervening bealach traversing the western slopes of the hill. Fine weather throughout despite a forecast of rain showers.
8^th February	Meikle Conval & Little Conval, Dufftown.			Parked opposite the settlement of Convalleys and walked the track westwards to the summit of Meikle Conval. Continued northwards on the track to Little Conval, visiting the summit trig and 553m cairn. A tumbled stone enclosure was the only visible evidence that an ancient fort occupied this hilltop. Descended south back to the bealach and followed the track east to the road. Sunny day but increasingly windy throughout the walk. Had coffee and cake in Dufftown then pizza at Grantown East.
15^th February	Ralia circular walk.			Started at the Ralia café, walking south on the minor road and track to Phoines Lodge. Joined General Wade’s Military Road, passing north-east over Drochaid Balbh Bhordain, an original 18^th century bridge by the look of it. Left the military road and continued north past the cottage at Millton of Nuide then walked the minor road back to Ralia. Strong wind and heavy rain.
7^th March	Carn na Lair, Slochd.			Circular walk based on the Slochd pass. Walked the track from Slochd Mhor Lodge to Insharn, joining General Wade’s Military Road at an old bridge over the Slochd Mhuic. Left the military road to ascend the snowy track up and over Carn na Lair (599m). Descended north-west to Carn a’ Phris, turning right here onto a track to the old Tomatin road. Joined the cycle path at the A9 junction to return to the start at Slochd Mhor Lodge. Sunny day with patchy snow cover. Had post-walk coffee and cake in The Old Bakery, Carrbridge.
14^th March	Lord Arthur’s Hill, Correen Hills.			Walked the minor road from the church in Tullynessle to Dubston Farm. Continued on the track up Fouchie Shank to the summit trig and shelter. Descended east to join a track around Black Hill and north of Manabattack Hill. On entering a forestry plantation, detoured north-west on a footpath to join the outward route about a kilometre from Dubston. Dry during the walk, misty around the summit. Had coffee and cake in The Alford Bistro after the walk.
21^st March	Glas Leathad Mor, Ben Wyvis.			Walked the usual route from the car park over An Cabar to the summit. Trig pillar completely buried by snow and not located. Continued northwards for views into Coire nan Con and Glas Choire then descended westwards from Bealach Tom a’ Choinnich. Followed the stream down into the forest then returned on the track from the bridge over the Allt a’ Gharbh Bhaid. Good snow cover on the high ground. Good visibility with sunny intervals but high wind on An Cabar with unpleasant spindrift.
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28^th March	Contin to Silverbridge.			Called at Rogie Falls and the ruined settlement of Achadh Mor in a woodland clearing. Walked both sides of the river between the bridges at Little Garve and Silverbridge. Nice day with a few short hail showers.
4^th April	Little Wyvis.			Walked the track from Contin to Rogie Farm then northwards to the old Rogie farmstead ruins. Continued to the end of the track at grid ref: 44252-60776 then ascended through forest clearance debris to reach the open hill. Loosely followed the line of the map’s spot heights to reach the 763m summit cairn. Descended the track westwards to Silverbridge and returned on the track from there. Dry day with good views of distant snowy summits.
11^th April	Achterneed.			Circular walk from Contin to Achterneed. Walked to Rogie Farm then northwards to the old Rogie settlement. Viewed the eastern group of ruins in the settlement including a single dwelling near the stream. Continued on the track to the derelict house at Glensgaich where there is now a hydro turbine. Stayed on the track to another turbine on the Allt Dearg where it was confirmed that the direct track to Achterneed had been obliterated by forestry work. Continued south-east on the track which the map shows ending at grid ref 47775-60590 but in fact continues to Bottacks. Descended the public road to Achterneed then turned right on the track across the Peffery Burn and through the sawmill. Turning left at a track junction the route now continued to grid ref 47870-58944 where a small path led down to the golf course. Across the course, a path led from the clubhouse up to the An t-Ord viewpoint then down to Kinloch and onwards above Loch Kinellan to Contin. Warm, sunny day.
18^th April	Brahan Wood & Loch Ussie.			Walked the track from Contin to Jamestown then took the forest-edge path directly to Cnoc Mor. Continued on tracks over Cnoc Bealach nan Corr to the Lochussie road. Walked to the road-end then turned left to visit the hut circle just south of Loch Ussie. Continued to the Tollie Red Kite centre then onwards to the road at Clethorps. Walked south on the road to the track into Brahan Wood, selecting the route above Brahan Rock, past Clais nam Meirleach and onwards to the Lochussie road-end again. Followed the tarmac road to Knock Farril hill-fort then took the path to Bealach Bhrathan and down through Blackmuir Wood to Strathpeffer. Returned on the track along the southern shore of Loch Kinellan and through the woodland. Very sunny day with constant blue sky.
25^th April	River Conon & Brahan House.			Walked from Contin through Jamestown to the foot of Cnoc Mor. Continued south on tracks through Moy Wood aiming for the direct western approach to Moy Rock but the track was obliterated past 48914-55423. Took the alternative track to the south of Cnoc a’ Mhuilinn-Thairbh turning right at 50259-55488 to emerge on the old Brahan road. Continued west on the old road, past the Mackenzie memorial and on to Easter Moy. Walked the riverside path eastwards to Brahan then proceeded north to join the old road below Brahan Rock. Followed the old road east for a short distance before joining a pleasant track which climbed gradually to the eastern end of Brahan Wood. Returned on the most northerly of the Brahan Wood tracks to the junction at 50787-55595 then took the Cnoc nan Caorach track at 50102-55970. Retraced the outward route for the final leg. Misty start but a hot, sunny day.
2^nd May	Brae Farm & Dingwall.			Walked the usual route from Contin to Cnoc Mor then on over the Cat’s Back and Knock Farril to St. John the Baptist’s Well. Descended to Fodderty then walked the track to Dingwall via Brae Farm and Lower Dochcarty. Returned on the partially completed Peffery Way “cycle path” to Strathpeffer then through Blackmuir Wood to Jamestown. Overcast day but only one light shower.
10^th May	Easter Moy from Maryburgh.			Followed the footpath along the north bank of the River Conon from Maryburgh to Easter Moy. Walked around the perimeter of Moy Island. Returned on the track past Brahan House and onwards through Broad Wood. Viewed the cup and ring-marked stone opposite Brahan House. Cold day with occasional sunshine and light snow showers.
16^th May	Cioch Mhor from Maryburgh & Dingwall.			Followed the track east from Lower Dochcarty past Tulloch Castle Hotel to the farm steading. The track north was blocked by fallen trees but the farmer gave permission to ascend his field of lambing sheep to the stile at the top. Ignored the track here and walked directly to Caisteal Gorach (folly, built 1789-1790) as the mapped field boundaries had been removed. Continued north on the track to the trig on Cnoc a’ Bhreacaich and then past Loch nan Tunnag to the road at Leidchruich. Joined the track to Cioch Mhor, using stepping stones to cross the Abhainn Sgitheach. Returned on this track then walked the tarmac road down from Leidchruich to Dingwall. Occasional light drizzle in the morning but sunny afternoon.
24^th May	Torr Achilty, Contin.			Walked the road past Loch Achilty, viewing the henge in the field on the right just before the loch. Visited the picnic area then diverted off left down the track to the river. Continued on this track along the shore of Loch Achonachie then ascended gradually through woodland to reach the south ridge of the hill. Descended north-west from the summit cairn then north-east to reach the farm road near the cottages. Light drizzle on the hill-top with hazy views.
30^th May	Orrin Dams.			Circular walk from Aultgowrie Bridge, past Auchederson and up Gleann Goibhre to the reservoir. Crossed the two dams and returned on the road towards Fairburn. Diverted onto the track along the north bank of the River Orrin, visiting the Falls of Orrin and the burial ground. Hot day with lots of sunshine.
7^th June	Beinn an Rubha Riabhaich (Fairburn Windfarm).			Walked the access track to Fairburn Windfarm and climbed the hill from the far end of the track. Returned back through the turbines and continued on the old track westwards towards Glac Bhan. Diverted around the southern end of Loch an Fheoir to view Loch Sgolbaidh then followed the Scatwell track back to the road. Overcast day with a bit of rain, brightening later.
13^th June	Cul Mor & Cul Beag, Aultgowrie.			Parked near Aultgowrie Bridge and walked the track along the northern side of the River Orrin to Strathan. Crossed the bridge here and started back along the road on the southern side of the river. Turned off at the overgrown track to the Cornhill ruins and reached the An Dun track by clambering through high bracken. Continued on the footpath around Cul Mor to climb the hill from the south-east. Descended into Coir’ a’ Chuill to climb Cul Beag from the west then continued south to join the Auchederson track back. Low cloud to start the day with warm sunshine later.
20^th June	Bottacks & the Garbh Leathad track.			Walked to Rogie Falls and Rogie Farm then northwards to visit the western ruins of Rogie township. Continued northwards to visit a ruined still bothy on the Allt Fionnaidh at 43636-60489. Returned south and walked the track via Glensgaich to Bottacks. Descended the road to Achterneed then took the Garbh Leathad track westwards and south to the western end of Loch na Crann and back to Contin. Hot, sunny day.
27^th June	Cnoc Mor from Maryburgh.			Walked the tracks through Broad Wood to emerge on the main Brahan road. Followed the tarmac road a short distance uphill to reach the eastern end of Brahan Wood then walked the track towards Cnoc na Moine above Brahan Rock. Continued north-west to join the Lochussie road then diverted off left on the track towards Cnoc Bealach nan Corr. Visited the impressive little chambered cairn marked on the map then continued to the trig on Cnoc Mor. Returned southwards down the western side of Moy Wood then east below Cnoc a’ Mhuilinn-Thairbh and continuing eastwards through Brahan Wood on the northernmost track to the road. A different Broad Wood path was chosen to get back to the house. Warm, sunny day.
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4^th July	Faraid Head, Durness.			Walked from Durness to Balnakeil then followed the track to the trig with a minor detour to circumvent MoD security fencing. Returned to Balnakeil along the east coast of the peninsula, visiting the site of Seanachaisteal Dun and viewing the monastic settlement site from a safe distance. Dull with light showers to start but sunshine later.
11^th July	Choinneachain Hill, Glen Turret.			Parked at the water works and walked up the road towards the dam and busy car park. Turned off at an access track and, after following it for a short distance, made a direct approach up the hillside to the 551m cairn. Proceeded from here on the track up to King Kenneth’s Cairn, visited a large cairn to the west then walked over moorland to the small summit cairn on the 787m point. Continued northwards, joining the track over Ton Eich to Gilbert’s Burn. Descended from here into Glen Turret for the walk back to the dam. Sunny day with comfortable temperature.
18^th July	Cnoc nan Cuilean, Loch Loyal.			Parked at the southern end of Loch Loyal at Inchkinloch barn. Walked up the road a short distance and made a direct approach to the mapped hut circle at 61019-45133. Very distinct hut circle with stone footings forming the perimeter. Continued uphill to the summit cairn of Meall Eudainn then climbed the southern slopes of Cnoc nan Cuilean. Returned south then eastwards, between twin lochans and past a third to the less distinct hut circle at 61523-45714. Descended from here to the road for the walk back. Sunny day with fierce wind.
26^th July	Carn Ait, Spittal of Glenshee.			Followed the Cateran Trail a short distance eastwards then took the hill track north into Coire Bad an Loin and beyond. Reached the high ground on Sron na Fionnach then climbed east to reach the main ridge at Carn Chomh-Stri. Continued a clockwise circuit of Carn Aig Mhala, Carn Ait, Mallrenheskein, Black Hill and Carn Dearg. Returned to Spittal of Glenshee on tracks through Mains of Runavey, Westerton of Runavey, Kerrow and Tomb. Sunny start but wind-driven rain shower soon followed. Cold wind higher up with warm, sunny finish.
8^th August	Carn Daimh, Tomintoul.			Parked in Tomintoul and walked the Speyside Way spur footpath over Cairn Ellick to the top. Descended north-west and eventually southwards on forest tracks, continuing to the west of Tom a’ Chor and south to Glenconglass Cottage. Followed the minor road south to join the outward route. Swelteringly hot sunny day with ice creams to finish in Tomintoul.
15^th August	Beinn Ithearlan & Beinn Ghormaig, Kinlochteacuis, Morvern.			Parked at Aoineadh Mor and walked the road to Kinlochteacuis. Followed the track up Coire an Tuim to the bealach and approached the two hills from there. Descended north-west to Bealach Sloc an Eich to join the footpath down to Loch Teacuis and the road back. Hot sunny day.
22^nd August	Corryhabbie Hill, Glenlivet.			Main target was Carn an t-Suidhe but continued northwards to include repeat Corbett Corryhabbie Hill. Parked at the end of the road in Glenlivet and walked the riverside track almost as far as the ruins at Suie. Climbed the wide south ridge of Carn an t-Suidhe then followed the high ground north up to the Corryhabbie trig and shelter. Descended the Morton’s Way track down Glen Suie to Suie ruin and the outward route. Visited Knochkan bothy on the return. Dull day with cold wind on the tops and a couple of short rain showers.
29^th August	Sithean na Raplaich, Kinlochteacuis, Morvern.			Parked at Aoineadh Mor then walked the road to the other end of Loch Arienas. Followed a track up into An Coire then ascended through forestry clearance debris to the high ground near Dubh Bhealach. Followed the high ground north-west to the summit cairn then northwards almost as far as Na Dunain. Descended through forest clearance debris to the track below then followed the track around Loch Doire nam Mart to meet the clearance township footpath back to the car. Cool day with good views of surrounding hills, including across to Mull.
5^th September	Meall Odhar, Glen Artney.			Walked from Glen Artney church to the end of the tarmac road near Auchinner. Continued on the track sign-posted to Callander, over Monadh Odhar, but then diverting off into Gleann an Dubh Choirein on another track. Walked to the Dubh Choirein farmstead ruin at the foot of Ben Vorlich’s south-east ridge then continued south-west to the bealach west of Meall na h-Iolaire. Followed the high ground over Meall Odhar and Tom Odhar to Carn an Fheagain Dhuibh then descended to the outward track. Cool dry day, mostly dull with summits clear of cloud.
12^th September	Meall an t-Slugain, Glen Callater.			Walked Jock’s Road from Auchallater to Lochcallater Lodge then followed another footpath uphill to the broad south ridge of Creag an Loch. Climbed this hill then continued to Meall an t-Slugain. Descended to Loch Phadruig then climbed Creag Phadruig before returning to Jock’s Road below. Mostly dry day with strong wind on the tops.
19^th September	Conichan Castle & Beinn na Gainimh.			Repeat ascent of the Graham Beinn na Gainimh but from a different start point. Parked in the Sma’ Glen and walked the track up Glen Almond to the foot of Conichan Castle. Climbed the steep track up the south ridge to reach this prominent top with twin cairns. Continued over featureless moorland towards Sron Bealadh and onwards to Beinn na Gainimh. Descended to the bealach in Glen Lochan and followed a short section of the Rob Roy Way to Auchnafree. Returned on the Glen Almond track visiting the remains of a stone circle, a chambered cairn, a standing stone and an old burial ground.
26^th September	Aoineadh Mor clearance township & Gleann Dubh, Morvern.			Two walks in one day. Crossed the Corran Ferry to Morvern and visited the township ruins near Loch Arienas. Drove back to the main road and parked at Acharn Bridge. Walked the track into Gleann Dubh as far as the dwelling at Crosben then onwards to point 72958-54281. Returned on the outward route. Dry, sunny day.
10^th October	Carn an Daimh, Spittal of Glenshee.			Parked at Glenshee Parish Church and set off on the Cateran Trail towards Tomb. Visited the small stone circle before Tomb then diverted off on the track up Coire Bad an Loin. Followed this track to its end on the ridge north of Carn an Daimh and approached from there. Visited the two cairns then descended southwards to join the track to the Runavey settlements. Inspected the township ruins around grid ref 13600-68700 then returned on the Cateran Trail. Reasonable day with a little light drizzle and cloudy distant hill-tops.
24^th October	Coulin Pass, Achnashellach.			Circular walk from Achnashellach railway station. Took the path towards Coire Lair, diverting off past Drochaid Coire Lair and down to the bothy on the Easan Geal. Continued on the track along the Easan Dorcha, crossing the old bridge to begin the gradual ascent of the Coulin Pass. Pleasant descent from here on the track back to the station. Occasional rain showers but very good scenery.
1^st November	Loch Morlich, Aviemore.			Circuit of Loch Morlich from the Hayfield car park. Approached the loch on the footpath along the north bank of the Abhainn Ruigh-eunachan. Stopped for coffee and cake at the Pine Marten Bar then continued to just beyond Glenmore Lodge outdoor centre. Returned on paths along the Allt na Feithe Duibhe and Abhainn Ruigh-eunachan. Poor forecast but mostly dry.
7^th November	Cleat, Trotternish, Skye.			Small hill below the main Trotternish ridge. Parked at the cemetery on the road west of Brogaig. Visited the site of the dun mapped at 44743-67924 then approached the hill past Loch Leum na Luirginn and Loch Cleat. Climbed the north-western grassy slope thus avoiding all the crags. Returned via an un-named lochan below the main Trotternish ridge then continued below the ridge to the road. Dry, sunny day.
14^th November	Ben Auskaird, Kylesku.			Parked at the northern end of Loch a’ Mhinidh, north of Kylesku Bridge. Followed a short section of old road then joined the footpath heading north-east towards Ben Stack. Walked about 4km on the path to a high point with good views towards Foinaven, Arkle and Ben Stack. Ascended the nearby 355m summit (22651-40153) then set off west for Ben Auskaird. From the summit, made a direct return to the outward path, joining it at a small stone bridge reminiscent of bygone pony-track days (21616-39149). Dull day but mostly dry.
28^th November	Camasunary, Skye.			Walked the track from Kirkibost over Am Mam then diverted off on the footpath to just north of An t-Sron. Climbed this little peak then descended south and west to join the footpath to Camasunary. Visited township ruins halfway there then visited the old farmhouse, the old bothy and the impressive new bothy (at 51740-18306). Darkness fell on the return over Am Mam. Dry day with sunny intervals, cloud on the high tops.
5^th December	Creag nan Leachda, Keiloch, Braemar.			Walked a short distance on the track from Bridge of Dee to just past Sron a’ Bhruic to join the footpath up the hill. Eventually lost the path under snow and therefore made a direct approach to the cairn and lochan on the summit plateau. Continued south-east in poor visibility to the main summit cairn at 784m. Abandoned the intention to visit the neighbouring Millstone Cairn due to imminent darkness. Returned on the outward route following the footprints in the snow. Mostly dry, poor visibility higher up with snow down to road level.
12^th December	Creag Pitridh circuit, Loch Laggan.			Parked at the usual access point near Moy. Followed the track past Lochan na h-Earba up towards Coire Pitridh. Abandoned the plan to stay on the footpath as far as Bealach Leamhain as snow melt rendered the river crossing too risky. Instead, made a direct approach to the 837m bealach alongside Creag Pitridh then descended into Coire Mhaigh. Followed the path along the Moy Burn to connect with the Lochan na h-Earba track and the route out. Overcast day but not as wet as the forecast suggested.
19^th December	Gob Ard & Leitir Easaidh, Assynt.			Superb little walk on a path network created by the Culag Community Woodland Trust. Parked in the car park on the A837 at 15360-25125 and walked the path to the ruined township of Loch Beannach (dating from around 1774) and the viewpoint on the adjacent “Ken’s Path”. Located a possible corn drying kiln at 15130-26499 on the edge of an enclosure. (This latter structure is not the old mill site on the outflow of Loch an t-Sabhail which wasn’t noticed on this walk). Continued eastwards following the Leitir Easaidh path to emerge back on the A837 at another car park (17252-26124). Returned to the path junction at 15841-25960 and followed the path southwards to the start. Dry walk with sun and blue sky.