Get Lost Mountaineering

Meall na Faochaig from near Inverchoran in far Strathconon

Start/Finish

The bridge over the upper River Conon which is the entrance to Inverchoran Farm. Parking is limited so park carefully trying not to cause an obstruction. Strathconon is a long glen which starts at Marybank on the A832 road between Contin and Maryburgh. It is about 15 miles from here to the start and the road, although very scenic, is narrow in places. Do not park in passing places.

Distance/Time

8 km.   About 3 – 4 hours.

Peaks

Meall na Faochaig, 680 m, NH 257 525.      OS sheet 25.

Introduction

This is a pleasant short walk at the far end of the long Strathconon glen. There is an old stalker's path/track about halfway up after which the going is pathless and slightly rough. Stalking takes place in this area so try not to be disruptive. The estate provides a useful notice near Inverchoran bridge. Meall na Faochaig is an excellent view point for Meallan nan Uan and Bac an Eich not to mention the hills around Achnasheen. In very clear weather, the Strathfarrar hills will be seen.

Route

(1) From the bridge, regain the road and walk W. Agter about 300 m, fork right on to the old track. Follow this up until it peters out on a level section then continue to Creag Iucharaidh where there is an aerial on the shoulder just below the unmarked top. Retrace slightly then ascend NNW up the SSE ridge of Meall na Faochaig. This is slightly rough, wet and pathless. Reach a line of old fence posts on the WNW crest. Turn right, ESE, and follow the crest (the fence posts are slightly down the N side), avoiding some small boggy hollows to reach the small cairn which marks the summit of Meall na Faochaig, 680 m. It is worth continuing along the crest, for about 400 m, to the ESE Top which has a similar cairn. There is a smaller cairn about 50 m further on a low outcrop from which there are good views down Strathconon.

(2) Retrace the outward route down to the path/track but there is no need to revisit Creag Iucharaidh.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 26^th July, 2016, and about 15 years earlier.

(b) Omitting Creag Iucharaidh would save about 30 minutes.