Càrn na Saobhaidhe, via Dunmaglass

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Càrn na Saobhaidhe is the highest summit on the vast, sprawling peaty moorland that makes up the northern Monadhliath. A remote place, it can be approached from Coignafearn in Strathdearn, from Garthebeg, or via a bulldozed track which reaches right to the summit from Dunmaglass as described here. The walk up the ugly track can become tedious, and a windfarm is currently being constructed east of this route which can mean heavy lorries using the track. Due to the profusion of new tracks, carefully navigation is required - gps is useful.

Terrain

Landrover track throughout - a mountain bike could be used. The track crosses a burn four times near the final section.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Phone box at junction on B851 at NH 607244. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

It is possible to park up to a couple of cars carefully by the phonebox at the B851 road junction at NH607244. Begin by walking briefly west along the B851, then turning left onto a track signed 'To Dunmaglass, private road'. Follow this, soon passing through a gateway to the estate with two osprey sculptures. Pass through this, and soon bear right to join a much-wider track being used for the construction of a windfarm. This is used by heavy machinery and trucks so care is needed - follow any temporary detours.

Stage 2

There is a confusion of new tracks due to all the construction works, but stay on the main track (right at a fork) to pass the estate cottages at Achnaloddan. At the next fork again take the left branch (signed as a footpath to Loch Conagleann and Easter Aberchalder) to soon run beside the Allt Glac an Tuir. Eventually the track(s) lead across the main burn by either of two bridges before climbing beside the Allt Uisg an t-Sidhean. As height is gained another fork is reached; go right here. There are views back to both the new and old Dunmaglass Lodges.

Stage 3

The track has been greatly widened and lined with boulders to aid the windfarm construction work. There are views down to an impressive old iron bridge on the right. Eventually the track forks again at a junction not shown on OS maps currently; fork right here, leaving most of the windfarm traffic as the track eventually descends a little to run beside the Allt Uisg an t-Sidhean.

Stage 4

Ignore a footbridge over the burn, but soon fork right at a track junction to cross either a ford or - more conveniently - a second bridge just upstream. The track now climbs southwest, giving views of a waterfall and then down into a rocky ravine. Soon another junction is reached - go left here, curving round the flanks of the moorland. Ignore another track heading left (again, not shown on maps) and continue ahead until yet another junction is reached by the Aberchalder burn.

Stage 5

Turn left here, following a track - cut through deep peat containing the remains of ancient trees - now runs upstream close by the burn for several kilometres. The track fords the burn a total of four times; it is possible to avoid the first two crossings by keeping left of the burn. Eventually the wooden Diamond Jubilee Hut is reached - offering the only vestige of shelter for miles around.

Stage 6

From here the track - cut deep through the peat - climbs southwards. Turn right at a junction and finally a track heads southwest to reach almost flat summit area. A cairn is reached just beyond the end of the track, though bagging purists may be worried that almost any point could be regarded as the true summit; there is another cairn a short distance southwest.

Stage 7

The return is back the same way. Again, careful navigation is required to avoid taking the wrong track given the number of new tracks being constructed; GPS is a great help.

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