Great views from Graham at the end of Strathfarrar with Kids

[WalkingWithKids]

Beinn na Muice from Monar Dam in Strathfarrar with Kids (11, 14 y/o)

Hill no. 220 - Graham no. 50

This was our first visit to Glen Strathfarrar and it was amazing .

Stats:
Total distance - 6.1 km
Total time - 5h09m
Altitude gain - 470 m

Map of our route:

20250410-Beinn-na-Muice-from-Monar-Dam---Track.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Elevation profile of our route:

We parked close to Monar Dam.

Parking spot near Monar Dam.

Monar Dam is a highly unusual example of a double arch dam set in a spectacular setting in a steep gorge at the head of Glen Strathfarrar. It is unique in Britain. (GLEN AFFRIC HYDRO ELECTRIC SCHEME, MONAR DAM AND DEANIE TUNNEL INTAKE TOWER)

Monar Dam from the east.

Monar Dam from the west with Beinn na Muice in the background.

From the dam we walked along the loch on the driveway to East Monar Logde.

Loch Monar and the driveway to East Monar Logde.

After about 1km we saw a deer path on the right, so we left the driveway and followed it.

Place where we left the driveway.

After a while the deer path seemed to disappear, but we found another one. In fact, the whole hill is crossed by deer paths. But even when there is no deer path, the terrain is easily walkable. We headed more or less straight for the ridge. If it was too steep, we zigzagged.

Heading for the ridge of Beinn na Muice.

The view back to Loch Monar was breathtaking. Absolutely beautiful.

Loch Monar.

In the hill opposite we spotted the fossil of a giant prehistoric lizard .

A giant prehistoric lizard sleeping on the shore of Monar Loch. Can you see it? :)

We soon reached the ridge and headed for the summit along it. Walking along the ridge to the summit was easy.

Walking along the ridge.

Conni on the top, looking west along the ridge towards Loch Monar.

Conni on the top, looking ENE towards Strathfarrar Munros.

We wanted to have lunch at the top, but it was quite breezy, so we decided to find a good picnic spot on the way back, somewhere on the ridge where we could get a good view. I think we found a pretty good spot. We spent about an hour there. It was a cracking day.

Picnic spot.

The area around Loch Monar is one of the most famous places in the world to study Moine metamorphic rocks (Loch Monar: Contorted rocks of ancient Caledonian mountains). I think we found such a rock where we had a picnic.

I think this is Folded Moine metamorphic rock.

After the break we returned the same way.

Monar Dam and the gorge below it. The highest peak in the distance - Munro Sgùrr na Lapaich.

Loch Monar once again.

Looking west, in the distance - Munros west of Loch Monar.

Driving down the glen we saw a herd of deer and a goat with baby goat.

Herd of deer in Strathfarrar.

Goat and baby goat.