Cat Law and Corwharn, Glen Isla

The position of Cat Law, rising at the foot of the Angus Glens, makes it a fine viewpoint dividing Highlands and Lowlands. When combined with the neighbouring summit of Corwharn it makes for an enjoyable moorland circuit.

Terrain

Mostly tracks over open moorland. Some sections indistinct or wet amongst the heather.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Burnside of Balitore. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 18.5km / 11.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 741m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO295586

Summits Climbed

Graham: Cat Law
Sub 2000: Corwharn

Maps, App and GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

These two hills can be climbed either from Lednathie in Glen Prosen, or from near Balintore Castle in the lower reaches of Glen Isla as described here. Park opposite Burnside of Balintore just west of the Knowehead of Auldallan; there is space by the old gateway to the castle at NO295586. From here head east along the minor road for 200m before turning left through a gateway into a field opposite the Knowehead of Auldallan farm. Follow a grassy track - very faint at first - as it aims slightly left uphill through the field to reach a gate near the top of the plantation. Pass through this and then a second gate to continue up the now clear track up onto the heather moor. Excellent views soon open up looking back.

Stage 2

The track passes through the line of an old fence, and eventually gives views back to the Loch of Linrathen. After a flatter shoulder the route steepens again, climbing past a series of upright wooden hides for grouse shooting. The track winds left and right as the summit draws near, with a fence close by on the right at times. The top of Cat Law is a little boggy, with old windshelter cairns on the fenceline and a trig point marking the summit just a stone's throw to the west (left). The position on the very edge of the Highlands makes this an excellent viewpoint.

Stage 3

From the trig point return to fence and follow it; there are now only faint traces of a track. At a wooden gateway it is best to switch to the far side of the fence before continuing the descent to the northwest, a track eventually becoming clearer once more. The track cuts across a corner at the Heughs of Machirn to reach a t-junction. Turn left here, passing through the gate in the fence, and then turn right to follow the track across the left flank of Cormaud, a heathery dome with a slender transmitter mast on the far side. Keep ahead at the next junction, but take the next, fainter, track to the right to head onto the Hill of Glendye.

Stage 4

The track soon becomes an indistinct path and runs roughly parallel to a fenceline (which is over to the right/east). The going is boggy in places as the route continues onto Tarapetmile. Follow the fenceline as it curves northwest, with a rough track underfoot once more for the steep descent to the col that divides Glen Uig from Glen Quharity.

Stage 5

Corwharn is the bulky hill seen directly ahead on the descent. At the track at the bottom turn left (signed for Longdrum and Balintore) and then right onto a track that climbs up onto Cairn Corse. After gaining 200m in height the broad moorland ridge is gained - turn right along the track to head across a slight dip and up onto the summit area of Corwharn. There is a prominent cairn which can be reached by stepping over a fence aided by rocks. The cairn gives a good view into Glen Prosen, with the Airlie Monument prominent. The highest point of Corwharn is actually over to the left before the fence is crossed.

Stage 6

Return along the ridge and continue along the track over the indistinct top of Cairn Corse. Eventually the track forks; follow the main left branch which descends across the slope and heads down Long Drum. Follow it down to the track in Glen Quharity and turn right to follow this down the glen.

Stage 7

The track leads through a gate, soon being joined by a surfaced lane. Continue along it, passing the farm at Westerton and meeting a minor road. Turn left along the road to return to the start. On the hillside to the left is Balintore Castle - an impressive nineteenth century Scots Baronial mansion; the castle has fallen into disrepair over recent decades.

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