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Carn Ban from near Glencalvie Lodge off Strathcarron.

Start/Finish

Access to Strathcarron is from Ardgay which is a village on the S side side of the Dornoch Firth opposite Bonar Bridge. This used to be the main road up the east coast until the causeway across the outer Dornoch Firth was built to avoid the long detour inland saving about 25 miles. Drive up Strathcarron on either side of the river but the N side will be needed eventually to reach The Craigs where there is a telephone box (might not now be there). Cross the river here. Pass Annat Lodge and drive to the bridge which goes over the river to Glencalvie Lodge. Cars can be left here with plenty of space for parking. It is possible that access may change in the future in which case cars would have to be left near The Craigs.

Distance/Time

19 km walk + 12 km bike      About 9 - 10 hours

Peaks

Meall nan Fuaran, c 670 m, NH 386 987.

Bodach Mor, 822 m, NH 360 892.

Bodach Beag, 837 m, NH 355 877.

Carn Ban, 842 m, NH 338 875. OS map 20.

Introduction

This is a remote hill in wild uninhabited country. In the past, access has been restricted then it improved. In 2009, the estate was being turned into a kind of wildlife park with wolves, wild boar and other extinct UK mammals and much fencing off was taking place. However, there seemed to be no barrier to walking access. There used to be a bothy where the Allt Riabhach meets the Alladale River but this was demolished and replaced by luxury lodges available for rent at high prices. Other developments were in the pipeline. In 2009, the estate had an office in Ardgay so it was possible to enquire about access. Such enquiries are recommended in advance of any walk as it is a long, slow drive to the start and one would not wish to then find there was an access problem. The ground can be rough once off the tracks and paths but the views are worth it with the remote Munro of Seanna Braigh being especially prominent to the W so this is a walk for a clear day. There is one potentially difficult river crossing so this walk is best kept for a dry spell. Once the Meall nan Fuaran ridge is reached, the route is along a very pleasant crest, much of it with cliffs on its western side.

Route

(1) Cycle W along the track on the N side of the River Carron. This climbs steeply in places especially near Alladale Lodge. At about its highest point, there is a high gate across the track. If this is locked, it is best to leave the bicycle here and continue on foot, climbing over the gate if necessary. Otherwise, cycle downhill into Glen Alladale and continue past the prominent crags of Carn Alladale. When the track turns NW to follow the Allt a' Chlaiginn, leave the bicycle and cross the burn near to a steep bank with trees on it. In spate, a detour upstream would be necessary which might be lengthy as there are no tributaries for 3 km. Go around a new tree planting surrounded by a deer fence then head WNW to reach the eastern top of Meall nan Fuaran, c 670 m. During this ascent, there is a lovely view of Lochan Pollaig on the other side of Glen Alladale.

(2) Continue W, descending to a shallow dip then ascending to the W top which is about 20 m higher than the E top. Continue SW across a very shallow dip then ascend the NE ridge up to Bodach Mor, 822 m.

(3) Descend S, with the cliff line now on the right, W, to a bealach then ascend slightly W of S to reach Bodach Beag, 837 m.

(4) Carn Ban is almost due W of here but for birds only. Humans must continue WSW, still following the cliff line, down to a broad bealach, then W up to the medium cairn which marks the summit of Carn Ban, 845 m. Alternatively, follow the cliff line WNW to its end then go W on to the summit crest and walk S to the summit.

(5) Retrace the outer route. It is not quicker to descend directly into Glen Alladale.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 9^th September, 2009.