Sgurr a' Mhuilinn and Meallan nan Uan, Strathconon

This pair of Corbetts make for a fine hillwalk from the upper reaches of lovely Strathconon. It is well worth including the more northerly outlying top for a grand panorama of the Fannichs and northwest Highlands across Strath Braan.

Terrain

Most of the route is pathless hillwalking. The lower ground is very wet but the hills above give good going, rockier in places.

Public Transport

None.

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Start

Strathanmore, Strathconon. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 13km/8 miles
Time: 5 - 7 hours
Ascent: 1085m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NH294544

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Meallan nan Uan
Corbett: Sgurr a' Mhuilinn

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a rough grassy parking area up off the right hand side of the road opposite the last forestry cottage in the tiny hamlet of Strathanmore (around 1km before the church). There is no path up the initial, very wet heather slopes on the steep climb up the open slope; pass left of the fenced woodland area and then aim west directly uphill. Only the expanding views looking back down Strathconon enliven this initial trudge until the gradient eases.

Stage 2

At this point, aim southwest to head up to the summit of Creag Ruadh, marked by a cairn. From here the character of the walk changes completely as a fine grassy ridge leads on over an intervening bump before the final climb up to the pointed summit of Meallan nan Uan - the first of the day's two Corbett summits.

Stage 3

The descent has a short steep rocky section before a very broad ridge leads down to Carnan Fuar; this minor bump can be avoided on the right side to reach the bealach just beyond. From here it is possible to greatly shorten the route by omitting the two northern tops and instead heading directly up the broad slope to the second Corbett, Sgurr a' Mhuilinn. However, if time permits, the northern tops are worth visiting for their superb views. Rather than climb up to the ridge and then lose height to the northern bealach, it is possible to head on a long traverse contouring the wet heather slopes, rounding a shallow corrie before reaching the Bealach na Siunnahcair.

Stage 4

From here climb up to the Bealach na Gaoithe between the two tops - Sgurr a'Choire-rainich to the northeast and Sgurr a' Ghlas Leathaid to the southwest. Both are easily visited from here; the former is marginally higher and has the finer summit, but both enjoy superb views across bleak Strath Braan - with the clustered houses at Achnasheen - to the great ranges of the Fannichs, Fisherfield and Torridon beyond, as well as a grand view of Ben Wyvis.

Stage 5

Return to the Bealach na Siunnahcair and head up the very broad and gradual ridge leading to Sgurr a'Mhuilinn. Pass to the right of an area of boggy ground with a pool of standing water, rather optimistically marked as a lochan on the OS map. Looking back, the grand plunge of crags that fall on the east and northern side of Sgurr a'Choire-rainich reveal it as the finest peak in the range.

Stage 6

Continue easily to reach the summit cairn of Sgurr a'Mhuilinn, the highest of the group, withgrand views of its own down the twisting length of Strathconon towards the sea. Continue in the same direction to begin the descent, gradual at first and then steepening down a defined ridge of grass and rock. At the foot of this continue downhill, and aim to the right of the vast expanse of boggy ground to reach and cross the Allt an t-Srathain Mhoir. Keep to the right of this burn, crossing rough moorland, to regain the ascent route on the moorland below Creag Ruadh. Continue east to descend back to the start at Strathanmore.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.