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Morven from Braemore

Morven from Braemore

Start/Finish

Parking spaces before the bridge at Braemore where there is also an old telephone box. Braemore is about 6 miles along a minor road which starts just to the south of Dunbeath on the A9. Dunbeath is about 16 miles north of Helmsdale and about 20 miles south of Wick. There are spaces for about 6 cars so arrive early in the season.For those with Sat Nav, the nearest postcode seems to be KW6 6EX. This takes one to the last building before the bridge.

Distance/Time

15 km.    About 6 hours.

Peaks

Morven, 706 m, ND 004 285.     OS map 17: Helmsdale & Strath of Kildonan

Introduction

Morven is a distinctive conical hill well seen from surrounding hills. It gives good views on a clear day especially, to the triple topped Scaraben, Smean and Maiden Pap. There is a good track which takes one the 4 km to the old building at Corrichoich. This track could easily be cycled, probably saving about an hour on the walking time. From Corrichoich there is some rough moorland walking then a steep ascent of about 350 m to the summit.

Route

(1) Cross the bridge and follow the main track, for about 4 km, to the old building at Corrichoich, passing the pointed peak of Maiden Pap on the way. From Corrichoich, continue ahead – there is a faint ATV track and a the odd faint path. Aim for the E col of Morven and look for the visible lower path of the path up the steep E ridge. Follow this path up. It can be faint in places but it does go all the way up. Some steep boulder fields are crossed with one cairn helping with one of them. When the angle eases, reach the ground below the E Top. Some guide books suggest a traverse on its S side but the path goes up, in a sort of gully, before exiting to the right and going easily around a rocky corner to regain grassy ground. A short descent then a final gentle ascent leads to a small cairn which marks the summit of Morven, 706 m.

(2) Retrace the outward route.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 30th July, 2016, and about 15 years earlier when it was combined with Scaraben making it a very long and tiring walk!

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