Monamenach, Glen Isla

Summary

Monamenach is a rounded, heathery hill on the watershed between Glen Isla and Glen Shee. Approached from the former a high level start at the head of the glen makes this one of the shortest walks up a Corbett, though the ascent is fairly steep.

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Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Rough hill track.

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.

Getting there

Start

Auchavan at the head of Glen Isla.

Public Transport

None.

Start Grid Ref

NO192696

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.25km / 3.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 444m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Monamenach

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Walk Description

User reports (12)

Stage 1

Auchavan is at the end of the public road up Glen Isla, westernmost of the Angus Glens. There is no parking at Auchavan itself, so instead follow the rough track to the right, taking care to find a space on the grassy ground before the bridge over the river. This final section is heavily pot-holed; there may also be some space on the verges just before Auchavan but take care not to obstruct any gates or passing places, nor the turning area for the gritter. Return to Auchavan and take the track across the cattle grid, signed as a private drive to Tulchan Lodge.

Stage 2

The track curves to the right and crosses a second cattle grid. Turn left on the far side onto a much fainter, grassy track that climbs up the hillside. It soon passes through a gap in a drystone wall, then curves to the right, soon crossing the Glaick Burn. Excellent views open up looking back to Auchavan.

Stage 3

Continue on the track as it climbs up towards the bealach between Monamenach and Creagan Caise. At a fork just short of the bealach take a much rougher, faint hill track which climbs NNW up open ground towards the summit. Eventually the slope levels off and the small summit cairn is seen by the remains of an old fence, the cairn sporting a fencepost as decoration. As it is approached a superb view opens up ahead to the dramatic crags of the Caenlochan Glen - the uppermost part of Glen Isla. Mount Blair is prominent to the south.

Stage 4

Unless intent on a much longer hillwalk, the return is the same way. One option to extend the route to a full days excursion would be to continue along the ridge to Creag Leacach and Glas Maol, before returning via the track down Monega Hill.

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