Upper Findhorn moors and glens, Strathdearn

Strathdearn winds far into the heart of the Monadhliath range. Little visited by walkers, this is a remote and lonely corner of the Highlands. This circular route uses good landrover tracks to explore the moors and glens of the area. Grouse-shooting takes place here and could restrict access on certain days in the season.

Terrain

Good tracks throughout, though through remote and exposed terrain.

Public Transport

None.

Start

Car park near public road end at Coignafearn (Old Lodge). Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 20.5km / 12.75 miles
Time: 5.5 - 6.5 hours
Ascent: 468m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH711180

Maps / GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a good-sized parking area just before the end of the public road up Strathdearn, near Coignafearn Old Lodge. Though few walkers venture here, it is a renowned spot for birdwatchers - with frequent sightings of golden eagles, peregrine falcons and buzzards. Begin by continuing along the road, crossing a bridge and then taking a left fork, passing between the c-shaped old lodge on the left and a newer house to the right. The track now leads up the glen in a straight line for some distance - hard on the feet through it is possible to instead take to a parallel grassy track on the left.

Stage 2

Keep on the main track at a junction. Eventually the track and glen curves to the right, and the route runs closer to the sparkling River Findhorn. This part of the glen is a delight - a corner of the Highlands unvisited by many.

Stage 3

The track soon leads past the very grand Coignafearn Lodge. Both this and the estate are owned by Sigrid Rausing - a publisher and philanthropist - one of the hiers of theTetra-pak fortune - and an outspoken supporter of golden eagle conservation here. Continue for a short distance further to reach a junction and bridge over the River Findhorn.

Stage 4

Turn left to cross the bridge (ignoring a second bridge over the Elrick Burn) and then follow the equally-good track up the glen of the Elrick. After 2km or so cross the bridge over the Elrick and then follow a pathless section upstream until the track is rejoined after a ford. Alternatively you can continue on the track and cross the ford, but this often requires a wade and could be impassable after heavy rain.

Stage 5

Continue on the track further up the glen until a track junction where the Caochan Mor Bun Fhraoich flows down from the left. Take the left track here, which climbs eastwards in a series of sharp zig-zags onto the moors. Keep left to continue zig-zagging at another junction. There are grand views back down the glen.

Stage 6

The track across the open, exposed peaty moorland is equally well-made. It crosses a watershed, and keeps the headwaters of the Caochan na h-Eige Duibhe on the left. Although bleak, there is a feeling of a vast open space here.

Stage 7

After a second watershed and a burn crossing the track eventually leads past a large wooden lunch hut for shooting parties. Follow the main track as it turns left behind the hut. After a brief climb the Farr windfarm soon comes into view as the track begins to descend.

Stage 8

The track eventually descends to the wonderfully-named Coignafeuinternich. Cross the bridge over the burn and continue on the main track to reach and cross the Findhorn. On the far side you can shortcut left across the grass to reach the tarmac road. Turn left along this to return to the start.

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