An Sìdhean from Loch Monar, Glen Strathfarrar

Summary

This rather flat-topped Corbett lies in the heart of a wild and remote part of the Highlands, but access via the road up Glen Strathfarrar and good stalkers paths on the approach make it a relatively straightforward walk in beautiful surroundings. The difficulty is reduced to Grade 3 if the outward route is retraced for the return.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Excellent stalkers paths on approach, then open hillside; return route is rougher going.

Deer Stalking information

East of Creag Dhubh Bheag-An Sidhean summit-Druim Dubh: Strathconon Estate. Stalking between Aug and 20 Oct. No stalking on Sundays. Access via the main paths and ridges is always OK.

South of Drochaid Mhuilich-Maoile Lunndaidh summit-Creag Dhubh Mhor- Creag Dhubh Bheag-An Sidhean summit-Druim Dubh: East Monar Estate. Stalking between Sept and 15 Feb. No stalking on Sundays. Access via the main paths and ridges is always OK. If further information is needed, please email [email protected] (allowing two days for reply), or phone 07470 631898.

Getting there

Start

Loch Monar dam.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NH203394

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 17km / 10.5 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 892m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: An Sidhean

Mapping and GPS

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Explorer 430 - Loch Monar

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Walk Description

User reports (6)

Stage 1

The road up Glen Strathfarrar is private and vehicular access is strictly controlled at the locked gate at Milton Cottage near Struy and a maximum number of 25 cars allowed in a day. In the summer months the gate is open from 9am to between 6 - 8pm depending on the month and closed all day Tuesday and until 1.30pm on Wednesdays. In the winter access must be arranged in advance via Mountaineering Scotland - see their page on Strathfarrar access for further details. To start this walk, take the private road as far as the Monar Dam - there is space to park shortly before reaching the dam. Begin by walking up to the dam and then continuing along the track on the north side.

Stage 2

The track climbs past a stand of Scots pine before descending to the cluster of buildings at Monar Lodge. Cross the bridge, but ignore the new bulldozed track heading up the glen, instead taking the old stalkers' path which also briefly climbs before reaching a fork. Branch left here, following the path as it leads through a gate and then aims for the ravine between Creag Dhubh (point 315m) above the loch and the higher ground to the right. The path climbs through the ravine.

Stage 3

Once over this low pass the path descends gently across the slopes - with superb views to the mountains at the head of Loch Monar - eventually crossing a footbridge over the Allt nan Uan. A short distance further the Allt a' Choire Domhain is crossed on a second footbridge. The path now runs almost level and gives excellent going as it continues across the lower slopes of Creag na h-Iolaire.

Stage 4

Cross the bridge over the Allt na Cois, then take the path branching right a short distance further on. Another excellent stalkers path, this one climbs north at first before cutting northwest as it climbs across the slopes. After the ground begins to level off the path becomes faint where it crosses the head of the Alltan Fearna. Leave the path shortly beyond here to head northwards up the slopes.

Stage 5

The slopes ease into a wide and featureless plateau; continue north to eventually arrive at the large summit cairn of An Sidhean. There are good views of the corries of Maoile Lunndaidh to the west, whilst the distant Fannichs close the northern horizon. The easiest return route is to retrace your steps by the route of ascent, making best use of the stalkers' paths; a rougher alternative is described here.

Stage 6

For the rough return, head southeast across the wide plateau - with the ground a little wet in places. Descend rough slopes to reach the bealach marked by the Clach a' Chomharraidh - the rock of the mark - a prominent boulder topped by a cairn. Head east from here, climbing diagonally left up the slopes opposite - until it is possible to traverse east on a level to reach the ridge line. Descend the slope opposite - soon beside a small burn - to pick up a stalkers' path cutting high across the west side of Coire Domhain.

Stage 7

Follow the path as it heads south down the glen, eventually joining another path lower in the glen. The outward route is joined just west of the footbridge; turn left along this to retrace your steps, back through the gap to Monar Lodge and then to the dam.

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