Loch Monar

Miles:
63

Maps:
OS Landranger 25

Accommodation:
Bothy (1 mile SW of Sgurr na Feartaig)

Achintee - Hotel

Bothy (Bendronaig Lodge)

Wild Camping

Loch Monar

This is another relatively undiscovered walk and you will be lucky to meet anything other than sheep and the occasional deer; therefore, a must for those who enjoy unspoilt wilderness.

It is possible to leave your car in the small parking area at Scardroy Lodge, which is at the end of the single-track road sign-posted as Strathcarron from the main road. Alternatively, if you wish to travel by train you can begin the walk at Achintee. It is probably wiser to carry all the supplies you will need for the duration of the walk as the Post Office in Strathcarron has a very limited food stock. The paths are clear for most of the route although the section from Loch Calavie to Pait Lodge is a little elusive!

From Pait Lodge you need to join up with the track in Gleann (Glen) Innis an Loichel, so from Pait Lodge follow the path which heads SSE for half a mile until you meet with a river (un-named) and a small bridge (not shown on the map). Cross the bridge and climb southeasterly to the summit of Meallan Buidhe. The way isn't too steep and under foot is grass and heather. From the top turn east and descend to the coll between this hill and Meallan Odhar, now a short walk SSE will bring you down to a good track which takes you to the eastern end of Loch Monar. From the tiny power station, the way is tarmac and there is access over the reservoir walls; shortly you will be at Monar Lodge and en route back to Scardroy.

Leave Loch Monar by the path heading north beside the Allt (river) a Choire Dhomhain which after three miles joins another path alongside the River Orrin. When you reach Loch na Caoidhe in this silent glen, follow the path which makes its way on the western side of the mountain Bac an Eich. Now all that remains is an easy walk of five miles back to Scardroy Lodge.