You must book your place in advance with the Leader. Members can access full details here using their password (those members who have yet to receive a password or need a reminder should contact the Secretary.)
Non-members should contact the Secretary.
Welcome to the winter walking program. As things return to normal, Covid is sadly still with us. Please read the following notes carefully.
Car Sharing
Car sharing reduces overall petrol use and parking congestion at the start point, and also allows members with no transport to participate. On the other hand, Covid is still with us, and car-sharing carries a significantly higher risk of transmission than outdoor activities. New, more aggressive versions of the virus may yet appear.
Leaders can choose to specify a rendezvous point (often the UHI offices on Ness Walk – the old Royal Northern Infirmary building: click here to see map) as well as a start point, to facilitate car sharing. The ground rules are:
- Walkers can still choose to travel directly to the start point (parking space permitting).
- Drivers must not be pressurised to offer lifts. Those drivers (or transport bubbles) who choose not to share their car with others may prefer to travel direct to the start point to avoid awkwardness.
- Neither the Leader not the Club can police Covid testing or vaccination status. Those who decide to car share do so at their own risk.
- All walkers must pre-book with the Leader. Assist the leader by providing your mobile phone number, an emergency contact number (for safety reasons during the walk), and whether you intend to meet at the rendezvous point or go directly to the start.
Booking a few days in advance is appreciated – particularly for walks involving a car shuttle, which require a lot of planning. - You should aim to arrive 15 minutes or so before the advertised time.
Contribution to transport costs
When sharing a car, walkers should contribute to transport costs. The recommended rate is 30p per mile, divided among the number of occupants of the vehicle.
To locate the starting point: if you are reading this document on your computer or smartphone, just click on the provided grid reference, and a map showing the start point will open in your browser.
If reading a paper copy, open http://streetmap.co.uk/ on an internet browser and enter the grid reference in the search field (2 letters, 6 digits, no spaces). It may also be possible to search on some Satnav devices – see manufacturer’s instructions.
Other information
Please click to access walk gradings and safety information.
Sun 28th Apr
Fannichs North Corries – Grade : A
Meet 09:00 UHI
Start time: 1030 OS sheet: 20 Grid ref start : NH207775 end: NH253755
Starting from just along the A832 from the new Corrieshalloch Gorge Visitor Centre we follow a forestry track through a small area of plantation before heading south to Creag Raineach Mor which overlooks Loch a’ Mhadaidh nestled in the northern corries of the Fannich Munros. From here we drop down to follow the Allt a’ Mhadaidh and join up with the series of well made access tracks that allow access to the areas hydro schemes, following these back to cross the Droma Dam to the cars. Likely to be boggy in places in first half of route with some streams to cross. Car shuttle will be required.
Distance – 11km 6.8miles Ascent – 518m 1700 feet
Date Saturday 4th May: Walk Grade B Start time 10:00
Title Badralloch to Scoraig
Rendezvous time 8:30 AM at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 19 Grid ref NH056919
Description Coastal linear path to the Scoraig peninsula, home to an off grid community.
Distance 10.25 miles 16.5km Km; Ascent 330 feet 100m metres
Date Sunday 12 May – Walk 1: Walk Grade A Start time 9.30
Title Moruisg – a Munro.
Rendezvous time 08:15 AM at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 25 Grid ref NH164586
Description Please all meet at Achnasheen station to car share to start as parking limited. Good track to begin, then rougher, then open hillside. Steepish climb then easier up shoulder to panoramic views- maybe! at summit cairn. Back same way.
Distance 7.5 miles 12 Km; Ascent 2450 feet 760 metres
Date Sunday 12 May – Walk 2; Walk Grade C Start time 10
Title Beaver trail and Loch an Eilein
Rendezvous time 9:00 AM at UHI offices, Ness Walk.
OS sheet Landranger 36 Grid ref NH901110
Description From Inverdruie on good paths and short distances on country roads. Via Loch an Mor round Loch an Eilein and return by Croft and Blackpark.
Distance 8½ miles 14 km Km; Ascent 469 feet 145 metres
Date Saturday 18th May; Walk Grade C
Title Downhill from the Cairngorm Ski Centre to Inverdruie
Rendezvous time 8:15 am at Matalan, Inches retail park
Congregate 09:00 at Inverdruie Car Park, to catch bus
OS sheet 36 Grid ref NH990060
Description Taking the Ski Centre road, drive through Aviemore, and park in the car park on the right hand side of the road before the Inverdruie turn off and opposite the Inverdruie high wire tree zone. At approximately 9.22 we catch the service bus from Inverdruie to the Cairngorm Ski Centre. Fare appoximately £4.00. Please remember to bring your bus pass if you have one!.
This downhill route, all on good paths and cycle tracks commences at the Ski Centre. We follow the Allt Mor Trail but should this route still be unsafe we will continue on the old Ski Road to the Sugar Bowl. We continue through Glenmore Forest on a variety of tracks emerging at Glenmore Visitor Centre and Loch Morlich. Now on the Old Logging Way and Cycle Trail, we meander towards Coylumridge and Inverdruie. At Inverdruie we will visit the coffee shop for coffee, cake and craic. If, for any reason our bus is not available, a car shuttle will be organised.
Distance 9.7 miles miles 15.6km Km;
Ascent – negligible Descent – 1425 feet, 435 m
Date Sunday 26 May; Walk Grade C Start time 10:00 AM
Title Lochindorb
Rendezvous time 9:00 AM at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 27 Grid ref NJ012352
Description Starting from the lay-by opposite the Jesus stone, we cross the road and follow along good farm tracks, some of which are reasonably steep.
Distance 9 miles miles 13.6km Km, Ascent 426 feet 130 metres
Leader Joan Mackay and Stuart Cameron
Date Saturday 1st June; Walk Grade B Start time 10
Title Cioch Mhor
Rendezvous time 9:00 AM at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 20 Grid ref NH526621
Description From Strathpeffer road out of Dingwall, turn right up Dochcarty road and follow til dead end sign. Follow this road to parking at disused quarry. Cioch Mhor is a superb little hill with extensive views. Good track up to small stile, then hill path to top. Return same way. Possible extension on the day is to Cnoc a Bhreacaich on other side of road, adding another 400ft and 5mls to Cioch Mhor walk.
Because of the steepness of the final ascent, this walk has been graded “B”.
Distance 4 miles 6.5 Km; Ascent 950 feet 295 metres
Date Sunday 9th June; Walk Grade A Start time 10:00
Title Leac nan Cisteachan and Beinn Sgurrach, above Whitebridge
Rendezvous time 9:00 AM at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 34 & 35 Grid ref NH489154
Description Although short in distance, this is a serious hill walk over trackless moor, heather and bog. Weather permitting, there will be excellent views from the tops. From the parking place at the Wildside centre in Whitebridge, we walk through the holiday park, and onwards until we reach a gate. From here on we pick our way across boggy moor and obliquely up the steep side Leac nan Cisteachan. Then down into the saddle, and up Beinn Sgurrach – the lower, but more impressive, of the two summits. From here we head back to the gate to retrace the outward route
Distance; 5 miles, 8 Km: ascent; 1600feet, 500meters
Date Saturday 15 June; Walk Grade C+ Start time 10:00
Title Loch a’ Bhraoin
Rendezvous time 9:00 AM at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 20/19 Grid ref NH163761
Description A there and back walk. Park at the large lay-by just past the forestry plantations and the gated, signed track off the west side of the A832. It is almost 4 miles after Braemore Junction, heading towards Dundonnell. The walk follows a track which descends to a ruin by the shore of Loch a’ Bhraoin, after which it follows the northern shore westwards to Lochivraon house and bothy. About a mile further on is a hillock, where lunch can be taken with great mountain views before the return walk. Consistently excellent loch and mountain scenery. The walk is rated C+ as there may be some boggy sections, depending on the weather.
Distance 8 miles 13 Km, Ascent 525 feet 160 metres,
Date Sunday 23rd June; walk grade B start time 10:30
Title: CREAG BHEAG & LOCH GYNACK
Rendezvous time 09:00 at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 35. Grid Reference NH755016
Description: Drive through Kingussie and turn right at Duke of Gordon hotel. Follow lane to top and park at bottom end of golf course car park. We walk up an adjoining lane and turn onto a path alongside the golf course. We then traverse through beautiful woodland and climb a half mile steep path to the summit of Creag Bheag where there are spectacular views of the Cairngorms. We follow the ridge and descend on a difficult and narrow path until we meet the good forestry track that circuits Loch Gynack. We then head back to the car park.
Distance 10 miles 16km; ascent 1597ft 487m
Date Saturday 29th June; Walk Grade B Start time 9:50
Title Garve to Dingwall – Railway shuttle.
Rendezvous time 9:15 AM at Dingwall Railway station
OS sheet 26 Grid ref NH553585
Description Catch the train at Dingwall at 09:30. Parking behind the shops. Walk past Strathgarve lodge then through the woods by Loch Garve. Under the railway & on to Loch na Croic. Continue into Contin woods past Rogie Falls & onto Loch Kinellan. Cross the A834, then via Blackmuir woods to Knockfarrel. Walk down the hill via Knockbain & back into Dingwall. Train fare £5.80 at this time.
Distance; 12.6 miles, 20.34 Km: ascent; 1079 feet, 329meters
Date Sunday 7th July; Walk Grade A Start time 10.30
Title Cul Mor
Rendezvous time 08:45 am at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 15 Grid ref NC189095
Description Excellent stalker path for approach, gentle climb then ground level before the final steep short ascent to the summit then down the bealach to the top of Creag nan Calmam. And back down the outward path.
Distance; 8.5 miles, 13 Km: ascent; 2625 feet, 810meters
Date Saturday 13th July; Walk Grade C+ Start time 10:00
Title Findhorn Gorge west bank + Randolph’s leap
Rendezvous time 9:15 AM at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 27 Grid ref NH996513
Description This stretch of the river is often accessed from Logie Steading on the east side of the river. This expedition explores the west side. Travelling from Inverness on the A96, just before Brodie, take road to the right signposted Darnaway. Follow signs to Conicavel, which we pass through. Carrying onwards on for a few km, look out for a low building with curved roof on the left. The next left turn leads directly to the Dunearn Burn parking spot.
The route follows the burn. then along the rim of the spectacular Findhorn Gorge. After a break for refreshment at a fisherman’s bothy, we follow the gorge onwards, and eventually grassy track for a close-up view of Randolph’s Leap’
**The path along the cliff is narrow, and runs high above the river**. This walk is not advised for those afraid of heights, or who are prone to dizziness or unsteadiness. If paths are particularly slippy I will substitute forestry tracks wherever possible.
Distance; 6 miles, 9.7 Km: ascent; undulating
Date Sunday 21st July ; Walk Grade B+ Start time 10:00 AM
Title The three Fyrish Monuments from the Evanton side
Rendezvous time 09:15 : at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 21 Grid ref NH607666
Description Starting in the car park at the Evanton Black Rock Football Field/Culcairn Park (turn up Glenglass Road from the main Evanton high street near the Black Rock Caravan Park, B817).It’s a steady climb up mostly good tracks with some steep sections and a couple of short rough narrow paths. First we go to Meann Chnoc or ‘Little Fyrish’, then Creag Ruadh or ‘Middle Fyrish’. The last part of the track up to the large Fyrish Monument is loose stones. We return the same way, leaving out the small paths that divert to the monuments. Most of the walk is through woodland and the views, especially from Fyrish Monument are spectacular (weather allowing). Cnoc Fyrish is 1478 feet / 450 meters.
Distance 8 miles 12 Km; Ascent 1480 feet 450 metres
Date Saturday 27th July Walk 1; Walk Grade A
Start time 10:30 at Car park off A9 at Balsporran Cottagesouth of Dalwhinnie
Title Geal Charn, Drumochter Hills
Rendezvous time 09:00 am at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 42 Grid ref NN627791
Description Geal Charn (Drumochter) is one of the easiest Munros, only 3 miles from Balsporran Cottages. We meet in car park above and cross railway line at level crossing. I estimate 4 hours max at leisurely pace and time for coffee and cake at The Apiary, Dalwhinnie before heading home.
Distance: 6 miles 9.6 km Km; ascent: 1625 feet, 500 meters
Date Saturday 27th July Walk 2; Walk grade C Start time; 10:30
Title Hopeman Circular
Rendezvous time 09:00 at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 28 Grid ref NJ146698
Description; Starting at Hopeman sea front we follow the shore path east and climb up to the cliff top at Clashach Cove. We then follow the cliff path to the Lookout Tower. Here we turn south down to the main road (B9040) which we cross and follow the footpath towards Gordonstoun School. After that we turn west along farm tracks back towards the village of Duffus. Leaving Duffus we follow the cycle path and tracks via Inverugie House back to Hopeman.
Distance 7 Miles 11 Kilometres ; Ascent 400 Feet 122m
Date Sunday 4th August; Walk Grade B+ (rough) Start time 09:30
Title 2 Hills above Slochd
Rendezvous time 09:00 at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 35 Grid ref NH848238
Description Start at parking near one time Slochd Lodge and take path to Insharn, turning right over hump backed bridge and almost immediately left. On good track head up to bothy, then 3km over rough ground to top of Carn Phris Mhoir. Follow fence NE to Carn na Lair before picking up track back to Slochd. Note: pass sign “road closed access only” after turning off A9 from north.
Distance; 9 miles, 14.5 Km: ascent; 1500 feet, 450 meters
Date Saturday 10th August Walk 1; Walk Grade A
Start time 09:30 at Achnasheen – car park by railway station
Title Fionn Bheinn (Pale coloured Hill)
Rendezvous time 08:30 at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 25/20 Grid ref NH164586
Description Fionn Bheinn is a Munro(3061 ft-933m). Parking at Achnasheen Railway station we cross the road and follow the usually boggy path upwards. Following the burn to Creagan Nan Laogh and then up the grassy slope to the ridge. Great views on a good day. Return may be by a different route yet to be decided.
Distance 7.5 miles 12 Km Ascent 2650 feet 800 metres
Date Saturday 10th August Walk 2; Walk Grade C Start time 10:00
Title Drynachan to Daless and along the River Findhorn
Rendezvous time 9:00 AM at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 27 Grid ref NH865396
Description We park in the field, slightly left of the entrance to Drynachan Lodge then walk along the farm track towards Daless and along the River Findhorn. This will be a linear walk.
Distance 8 miles 12.87 Km Ascent 300 feet 91.5 metres
Date Sunday 18th August; Walk Grade B Start time 10:30
Title Waterfall, gorge & river circuit, Lael Forest, Inverbroom, Wester Ross
Rendezvous time 9:00 AM at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 20 Grid ref NH196806
Description Parking at the first (south) Lael forest car park and across the bridge with good views south to Sgurr Mor. You start on an easy path with nice views over the strath. The path is very clear and well made. It meanders up and down across a few bridges until eventually starting to make its way up steeply, with a few handy staircases to help out, to the impressive gorge, and then a very short detour to the waterfall at the top. Up again out of the gorge and down the open hillside, with beautiful views. Then it’s heading back along the river.
Distance; 6 miles, 9.5 Km: ascent; 1500feet, 455meters
Date Saturday 24th August: Walk Grade C+ Start time 10.15
Title Loch Droma to Loch a’ Mhadaidh, North Fannichs
Rendezvous time 09:00 UHI offices, Ness Walk
Meet at Parking area at west end of Loch Droma, on Ullapool road
OS sheet 20 Grid ref NH253755
Description From the parking area opposite Lochdrum, the walk crosses the L. Droma dam and continues on a good track by the Allt a’ Mhadaidh. After crossing the burn we follow the rougher track and then path to the corrie to reach the lovely Loch a’ Mhadaidh. We return by the same route with good views across to Beinn Dearg. There are a couple of burns to cross so gaiters are recommended.
Distance; 9 miles, 14.5 Km: ascent; ~950feet, 280meters
Date Sunday 1st September; Walk Grade A Start time 9.45
Title Argyll Stone
Rendezvous time 08:45 at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 36 Grid ref NH861061
Description From Aviemore, head for Inverdruie then turn off towards Feshiebridge. Park at track end at Dalnavert. Excellent track to start of climb, then hill path, steeply in places and narrow river to cross (feetz may be necessary ) through forest til evens out on open moor. Extensive views as a reward! Back same way.
Distance 9 miles 14.5 Km; Ascent 2000 feet 610 metres
Date Saturday 7th September; Walk Grade C Start time 10.30
Title Rogie Falls to Loch Garve
Rendezvous time 9.00am at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 26 Grid ref NH442585
Description Park at Rogie Falls. Parking charge now applicable. Walk down to falls and cross bridge, steady climb for first couple of miles on forest vehicle track to Loch Garve for lunch. Then loop back on another good track along the Black Water river and back to falls and car park. Easy walking with lovely views.
Distance 7 miles 11 Km, Ascent 650 feet 200 metres
Date Sunday 15th September; Walk Grade B Start time 10:00
Title Corrimony – Loch na Stac
Rendezvous time 09:00 am at UHI, Ness Walk
OS sheet 26 Grid ref NH377305
Description Drive 0.5km past the car park at the Corrimony Chambered Cairn and park at side of ford, ensuring that farm vehicles can still access the crossing. Through wooded area and RSPB Nature Reserve up into open moorland. Then a long gentle climb up to beyond the wind turbines and on down to Loch na Stac. Good track and path all the way, though may be boggy in places. Great views of surrounding hills. Return by same way.
Distance 12 miles 20 Km, Ascent 1300 feet 400 metres
Date Saturday 21st September; Walk Grade A
Start time 9.45am at Small car park adjacent to Allt na Criche Outdoor Centre
Title Geal-charn Mor (Corbett) and Carn Dearg Mor
Rendezvous time 9 am at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 35 Grid ref NH873112
Description On the A9, approximately 2 miles south of Aviemore, before the south bound junction, turn right at the signpost for Lynwilg and cross the bridge. Continue on single track road parking at gates adjacent to Allt na Criche Outdoor Centre. LIMITED PARKING. Route commences on good estate tracks ascending An Gleannan and emereging into open hillside. At the memorial cairn we commence a gradual ascent to the broad summit of Geal-charn Mor. The downhill descent is by the outward route returning to the main track. We then continue north on rough, heathery tracks to ascend the summit of Carn Dearg Mor. A steepish descent takes us back into Glennan and Allt na Criche. Coffee, cake and craic in Aviemore.
Distance; 7 ½ miles, 12 Km: ascent; 2,200feet, 671 meters
Weekend beginning Friday 27th September – WEEKEND AWAY.
Date Saturday 5th October; Walk Grade C Start time 9:30
Title Archer’s Stone and Wade’s Road, Slochd
Rendezvous time 9:00 AM at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 35 Grid ref NH847238
Description Starting from the large parking area on the minor road off the A9 at Slochd, the track passes over the railway, through woodland and on into open country with wide views. Then past a ruin (coffee stop) and over the Sluggan Bridge. The route alternates between woodland and open country, passing the Archer’s Stone monument before crossing open moorland to rejoin the outward route at Insharn, and the return to the cars. A walk with plenty of variety in an area little visited by walkers.
Distance 7.75 miles 12.5 Km, Ascent 600 feet 180 metres
Date Sunday 13th October; Start time 10:15 – Grade C –
Title: Wildcat Trail Newtonmore
Rendezvous Time 0900 UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 35 – NGR NN716984
Description : A circular route around the village of Newtonmore. Mostly on good tracks by the riverside, through woodland and across moorland. A short section is on minor road. Chefs grill for tea, coffee and cake afterwards.
Distance 7 miles 11K; Ascent 360 feet 110m
Date Saturday 19th October; Walk Grade B Start time 10:00
Title Cnoc Croite na Moile and Loch nam Bonnach Circuit
Rendezvous time 09:15 UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 26 Grid ref NH527501
Description: Starting at Muir of Ord railway station we walk up Corry Road for about 2 miles until we reach the footpath to Ord Hill. A short climb takes us to the top where there is a trig point. Heading west we descend the hill by a different path which becomes quite faint in places. We pass through a gap in the trees and turn left at a clearing where there are supposed to be the remains of an Iron Age hut circle (although we could not find it!). A new forestry road has been constructed. We take this for a short distance before turning right through the trees and come down to a fence. Following this fence, we then cross it via a stile and walk above Loch nam Bonnach where we will have lunch. We continue through a gate along a path for a short distance before turning left on to a narrower path leading to a view of the Beauly Firth and the Kessock Bridge in the distance. This path eventually leads us back to the start of the footpath up the hill. We walk back down the road to the railway station. **NB: I will not be going to UHI but walkers are free to make their own arrangements for car sharing**.
Distance 8.3 miles 13.4 Km Ascent 1224 feet 373 metres
Leader Barbara Scott
Date Sunday 27th October; Start Time 09.30am – GRADE C+
Title: Kilmuir and Craigiehowe
Rendezvous time 09:00 at UHI offices, Ness Walk
OS sheet 26 – GR NH661478
Description Starting from the car park near the lifeboat station, we walk along the shore to Kilmuir. From the village continue along to Craigiehowe. From there we loop back through Craigiehowe wood passing Loch Lundie and back to the start.
Distance 7.5 miles (12km) Ascent 500ft (150m)
Great Glen Walking Club 