Trail (UK)

Strathan to Kearvaig

DIFFICULTY MEDIUM DISTANCE 20KM TIME 8 HOURS TOTAL ASCENT 1100M

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DAY 2

3 NC247612 From the bothy climb steadily north-eastwards, the gradient steepens as you gain the spur of Sròn a’ Ghobhair with its sandstone outcrops. Continue climbing north-eastwards to the bealach between An Grianan and Meall Dearg, then climb southeastw­ards for 135m to the latter’s whale-backed summit (451m) . Descend eastwards to the bealach and make the short climb to the summit of Meall na Mòine 462m. Descend north-north-west, then climb steadily along the ridge of Creag Riabhach with its impressive east and north-facing cliffs; the summit is marked with a stone shelter wall and trig point. The views are grand, especially south-west over Loch a’ Phuill Bhuidhe to tor-crested An Grianan.

4 NC278638 Head north-west then descend westwards to avoid craggy terrain. On reaching the shallower slopes, traverse around to the north of Creag Riabach, the terrain becoming rougher moving from sandstone to gneiss. Cross the Bealach Coir’ a’ Choin, follow the fence then drop across the head of Coir’ a Choin to gain the rocky outcrops of Cnoc na Glaic Tarsuinn. Continue climbing north-eastwards then descend towards the outflow of Loch na Gainmhich – the shore is boggy with bonus peat hags. Cross the fence into the firing range – indicated by a warning sign – and climb initially on rough ground to gain Fashven’s long south ridge, back in sandstone country again. Climb steadily for over a kilometre to gain the summit (460m)

5 NC313674 Standing alone, Fashven provides arguably the best viewpoint of the day, taking in north and west coasts, Durness, the surroundin­g hills and the bigger beasts beyond. The safest route of descent is east then north-east keeping above the crags on the northern flank. Once below the crags contour around to the bealach turn left and fork right after 2km, continuing downhill to arrive at Kearvaig bothy perched above the shore. The bothy has two entrances to separate parts of the building, each with a fireplace.

 ?? ?? between Fashven and Maovally; going over this undistingu­ished-looking hill is a better option than the rough, boggy ground around it. Once over head north to the track road,
Kearvaig Bothy.
Kearvaig Bay.
between Fashven and Maovally; going over this undistingu­ished-looking hill is a better option than the rough, boggy ground around it. Once over head north to the track road, Kearvaig Bothy. Kearvaig Bay.
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