Walks preview

Welcome to the winter walking program. As things return to normal, Covid is sadly still with us. Please read the following notes carefully.

Sunday 26^th April: Sgorr Na Diollaid, Glen Cannich  
Grade: A    Time: 9.45    Grid ref:NH285334 OS sheet: 25   
Rendezvous point: The Harry Gow car park on the A9 North, just past the Kessock Bridge    Time: 8.30. As this is the day of the Etape Loch Ness, the ourward route via Drunmadrochit is best avoided
Walk Description: start over the bridge in Glen Cannich then uphill on mostly pathless terrain with heather rock and bog to a rocky top 496m; slight descent and up again to the rocky summit with good views of the Strathfarrar munros and the firths on the east side, possibly a detour to some tops; if not back down the same way    
Distance – 4.5 miles/ 7 km:Ascent –2145 feet/ 654 meters:

Saturday 2nd May
Drynachan and the River Findhorn  
Grade  C  Time  10am  Grid ref  NH865396  OS sheet  27 
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  9am
We park in the field slightly left of the entrance to Drynachan Lodge. We follow the farm track towards Daless and along the River Findhorn. We return on a slightly different route, using a narrower path.  
Distance – 8 miles/ 12.9 km    Ascent – 300 feet/ 92 meters   

Saturday 9^th May- Joint event with Ramblers
Tarbat shore & Tarbat Discovery Centre guided tour
Grade C    Time 10:15  Grid ref  NH945872   OS Sheet 21
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  9am
Park at the main Tarbat Car Park. We will walk on the shore path along the headland for a couple of miles before returning by the same route, then we will go past the lighthouse and out onto the headland for lunch. It is a beautiful rugged coastal path with good views both towards Golspie and the Caithness hills, and the shores of the Moray Firth on the other side. The route is on paths and tracks.  After lunch we return to the cars and it is a 7 minute drive to the Tarbat Ness Discovery Centre. Our pre-booked guided tour around their archaeological site is scheduled for 1.30pm. The tour costs £8 on arrival and will take about an hour.
The Tarbat Discovery Centre is on the grounds of the ancient church of St Colman, displaying works of art created in stone by the Picts more than 1,200 years ago. These treasures, discovered during a 1990s archaeological dig, include fragments of majestic cross-slabs carved skilfully with elaborate geometric patterns, interwoven with magnificent animals and people. The Centre displays Pict and Early Medieval tools, artefacts and moulds used in the 8th century to create religious masterpieces, such as chalices and reliquaries in gold, silver, enamel and glass.
Distance:  5 miles/ 7km  Ascent: 200 ft/ 60m

Sunday 10^th May
Tom Mor mast  
Grade  B+  Time  10.15  Grid ref  NJ111338  OS sheet  28/27
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  09.00  
From North end of Grantown, take the B 9102 and follow for about 6mls. Park at a track end immediately after a long low stone wall just past Lettoch.There are significant undulations on good track, followed by a rough Argo track, then a heathery path to the mast and on to 2 large cairns. The views are definitely worth the effort! Return same way. Parking is very limited, so car sharing would be appreciated as much as possible.  
Distance –  8.5 miles/ 13.5 km   Ascent – 1200 feet/ 380 meters  

Saturday 16^th May
Cioch Mhor (482mtr) & Meall a Ghuail (466mtr), Dingwall  
Grade  B  Time  10:00  Grid ref  NH526620  OS sheet  20
Rendezvous point old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk   Time  09.00  
Directions: Parking can be limited – we park above the Heights of Dochcarty, Dingwall To find the parking – in Dingwall turn off the A834 onto Docharty Road, keep going up onto Dochcarty Brae (at first following signs for Neil Gunn Memorial), bear left at the bench (Drynie Farm is to the right), continue until the road goes sharply to the left – you instead go straight up Strath Sgitheach Road. Follow this very steep road and park at the gate at the point that the road bends to the right.
Walk description: We gradually ascend towards Cioch Mhor & Mealla Ghuail on a stoney farm track across open moorland. Near the start there are a couple of burns to cross which have large stepping stones in place for doing this – so hopefully no wet feet! We veer off to the right and off the path over heather to the top of Meall a Ghuail. Then head back to the path and up Cioch Mhor. The last small section, especially to the summit, is on a pretty steep and sometimes muddy path – but perfectly manageable at a slow pace. The view from the top is tremendous offering panoramic views of Ben Wyvis, the peaks out West, and the Cromarty Firth. Well worth the effort. Afterwards delicious tea & cake at the Highland Café!  
Distance – 5  miles/ 8 km    Ascent – 975 feet/ 300 meters   

Sunday 24^th May
Walk 1
Sgor Gaoith from Glen Feshie
Grade    A    Time    10am    Grid ref    NH852012    OS sheet    36
Rendezvous point    old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time    8.30
Start by the car park at the Allt Ruadh bridge on a good track through pinewood before climbing the upper slopes up to the plateau to the summit with superb views down to Loch Einich either returning the same way or along the ridge of Geal Charn and descending south west to starting point
Distance – 8.5 miles/ 14 km    Ascent -2800 feet/913 meters

Walk 2
Cromarty Circuit
Grade:C   Time:10:00    Grid ref: NH789677   OS sheet:21
Rendezvous point: Old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk Time:9:00
Meet at the Links car park in Cromarty (Off Forsyth Place and overlooking the sea). We walk through the village by the firth and start climbing (approx 100 steps). Hopefully good views to the North Sutor at the top. On through some fields which may be wet and boggy. There are a couple of stiles to cross. Down a steep path to McFarquhar’s Bed (if weather is bad, we may miss this out). Return to the cliff top and follow a path back towards Cromarty.
Distance – miles:5,  km:8:    Ascent – feet:800,  metres:245

Saturday 30^th May
The Fair Haired Lad’s Pass  
Grade  B  Time  09:15  Grid ref  NH599349  OS sheet  26
Rendezvous point  Old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  09:00  
One way walk requiring car shuttle. Gather in car park near Dores Church on left of road signposted “P for Dores Beach” and we will cram into cars for short drive to start of walk at NH583285 at the far end of Loch Ceo Glais. Walk heads SW along locally named corkscrew road (don’t even think of driving up the other way) before heading for the pass over towards Loch Ness. Forest clearance has given good views over the loch towards Urquhart Castle as we head back towards Dores over a wide variety of tracks, all well above the road but including near a rather muddy farm with livestock encountered on pre-walk.  
Distance – 10.5 miles / 17 km   –Ascent  1000 ft/ 300 m   

Saturday 6th June – not a GGWC activity
The Wade Walk is organised by the Dingwall Rotary Club in aid of Maggie’s.
This charity walk/run is a pleasant and varied route of about 15 miles starting at The Silver Bridge on the Ullapool Road, via Loch Garve, Torachilty Forest, Strathpeffer, Knockfarrel and finishing at Dingwall. Registration£30
The short walk/run this year will be from (Checkpoint 4) via Knockfarrel to Dingwall (approx. 6 miles). Registration £15.
Full details including how to pay at https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/the-wade-walk
Enquiries to richardford727@btinternet.com

Sunday June 7th
2 hills overlooking Loch an Eilean  
Grade  B/B+  Time  10:00  Grid ref  NH897085  OS sheet  36
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  09:00
We park in the Loch and Eilein car park (there is a parking fee). The steep hill which rises just behind the car park is Ord Ban,our first destination. We pass through a rickety gate to access a zigzag path heading steeply upwards. As we approach the summit there is a large boulder to scramble over (it can be avoided, but the detour is pretty rough). After a total of 0.7 miles/ 620 feet ascent, the summit commands magnificent views all round. Return by the same route – we should be back at the car park in a couple of hours. Those with an appetite for more can join me on the lochside track to reach Kennapole Hill, overlooking Loch Gamhna. Whereas many access routes were blocked by fallen trees in a recent storm, there remains one fair – if steep – passable route. The hill is topped by an impressive monument to the Duchess of Bedford, and has a fine view over the lochs and beyond. Return by outward route  
Distance -6 miles/  10 km  Ascent – 1080feet/ 330 m  

Saturday June 13^th
Loch Carn na Glas-leitire and Clarks’ viewpoint  
Grade  B  Time  10.00  Grid ref  NH287283  OS sheet  25  Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  9.00  We meet at the car park for the Dogs Fall where parking is £3.00 payable by cash, card or RingGo. As this area is popular in the summer please car share where possible. After crossing the bridge, we climb gradually through the forest on a good track running parallel to Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhain. Coffee will be at the viewpoint before we continue upwards to a quarry. The path now becomes grassy and wet underfoot in places. We climb steadily to the secluded Loch Carn na Glas-leitire before leaving the path to reach the Clarks’ memorial for stunning views along Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhain towards Glen Affric and the mighty peaks beyond.  
Distance –   10 miles/ 16 km  Ascent –   1200 feet/ 366 m  

Sunday 21^th June
Inshes to Daviot Wood
Grade C+. Time 09:30 . Grid ref NH688433. OS sheet 26
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  09:00
We start the walk from Inshes Park car park on Stevenson Road. We walk uphill, cross the road bridge, on through housing to reach Daviot Wood. Panoramic views as we climb up. It is a steady climb. We take the outer paths of the woods, taking in the General Wade road, which can be uneven and muddy in parts. After circuiting the woods we descend on the same route.
Distance 8miles/12.8km. Ascent 719ft/220m

Saturday 27^th June
Cnoc Croit na Maoile and Loch nam Bonnach Circuit
Grade    B    Time    10:00    Grid ref    NH527501    OS sheet    26
Rendezvous point   old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk    Time    09:15
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.
Distance – 8.3 miles/ 13.4 km        Ascent – 1224 feet/ 373 meters

Sunday 5^th July  
Kildermorie Estate  
Start Time 10:00  Grid ref  NH568779  OS sheet  21  
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  09:00  
Take B9176 Road towards Evanton, passing road end for Fyrish Monument. Turn left at signpost for Dublin/Strathrusdale. Continue along single track road for six miles, passing Ardross Distillery on the right. Parking on right (at ‘Braeantra’), prior to Estate entrance. Ten mile walk on easy terrain returning by same route. Lovely view of hills all around, a couple of lochs and perhaps a well known castle if there are any traitors amongst us.  
Distance – 10 miles/ 16 km   Ascent – 100 feet/ 30 meters

Saturday 11th July
Walk 1
Two Hills – Geal Charn Beag (742m/2434′) and Geal Charn Mor (824m/2703′) 
Grade    A    Time    09:45    Grid ref    NH873112    OS sheet    35    
Rendezvous point    old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk    Time    09:00    
Directions: A9 past Aviemore (31 miles). Just before the A9 south junction turn right at the sign for Lynwilg. Continue over a bridge and park adjacent to Allt na Criche Outdoor Centre. Limited parking, please car share if possible).
Route commences on good estate tracks gently ascending up An Gleannan and open hillside. At the memorial cairn we head north for a mile on rough pathless terrain to the summit of Geal Charn Beag, returning to the memorial cairn. We then commence the gradual south west ascent of Geal charn Mor, on good tracks. The return is by our outward route. For those who wish post walk coffee, cake and craic, suggest – Tiso’s, Costa, or The Barn at Rothiemurchus
Distance – 9.75 miles/ 16km    Ascent – 2624 feet   800 meters

Walk2
Anagach Woods &; River Spey, Grantown  
Grade  C  Time  10:00  Grid ref  NJ031275  OS sheet  36
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk   Time  09.00 
Meet at car park in Grantown – Approaching the town from the south, pass the Craiglynne Hotel on the left, the car park is just after the Red Sock laundrette on the right. (Toilets may be open). We take a path close by, through a small nature reserve to the River Spey. Then head east, crossing the A939, into Anagach Woods to follow woodland paths to Craigroy. From there we pick up a good track above the River Spey to reach Mains of Cromdale. We return through the woods to Grantown.
Distance – 7.5 miles/ 12 km  Ascent – ~250ft ~75m  

Sunday 19^th July
Plockton Crags and lochs 
Grade    B    Time    10am    Grid ref    NG803333   OS sheet    24
Rendezvous point   old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk    Time    8am  
Starting in Plockton follow the track to Duncraig Castle along Loch Carron then up the way to the mast and crags above Plockton with superb views of Skye and Applecross back down through the forest along Loch Lundie to the Starting point
Distance – 8.5 miles/ 14 km    Ascent – 1500 feet/ 450 meters          

Saturday 25^th July
Dava Way and Altyre estate
Grade C  Time 10:00  Grid ref NJ036568   OS sheet 27. 
Rendezvoux point old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk 09:00
We begin the walk on the Dava Way then off into woodland. Then a short distance on a minor road. Good woodland tracks/minor roads.Around Altyre Estate and back onto the Dava Way.
Distance 7.5 miles/ 12Km   Ascent negligible

Sunday 2^nd August
Creagan Gorm  
Grade  A  Time  10:00  Grid ref  NH976098  OS sheet  36 
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  09:00  
Meet for walk start at Glenmore Forest Cafe, Glenmore Forest Visitor Centre,PH22 1QU. NB: Parking at Visitor Centre is £2? or park at roadside for free. This walk takes us on a decent path up towards Meall a Buchaille. About ¾ of the way up we branch off onto the path for Creagan Gorm, which is an ascent onto open hill and the ascent to Creagan Gorm is quite steep, 108m/354ft (the descent is quite steep too). We reach the peak and head onto the path to Craiggowrie. There are a few ups and downs along the way. The descent then takes us down to the Badaguish area and along a forest track back to the start.  
Distance –  7 miles/ 11.2 km    Ascent -1600 feet/ 480 meters   

Saturday 8^th August
Tornagrain Old and New  
Grade  C  Time  0930  Grid ref  NH782502  OS sheet  27  
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  0900  
Start at the car park at grid NH782502 just south of the outskirts of the new village. Head off into Lochandinty wood for a loop of 4.5 K. Then up along the path to Croy and into High wood. Great views across the Moray Firth. Continue down to old Tornagrain. Finally go through Tornagrain wood, round a quarry and back to the new town. There are 2 cafes nearby to choose from !!  
Distance –  8 miles/13 Km  Ascent –   650 feet/ 200m    

Sunday 16^th August
River Farnack and Meall na Fuar-Glaic  
Grade  B  Time  09:30  Grid ref  NH685336  OS sheet  26
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  09:00
This is a walk of two halves. We start at the School Wood car park in Farr, cross the road, and stroll downstream along the River Farnack before crossing by footbridge and heading back towards Inverarnie. Then uphill, following waymarked path to its highest point, then straddling a low fence to continue uphill on a rather fainter path through open woodland. There are some fallen trees to negotiate. Beyond the trees the path follows a fence line, becoming increasingly indistinct and rather boggy.  It eventually disappears and the ground rises more steeply through knee-deep heather for the short remaining distance to the top (hence the B grading). The rocky summit is deeply cleft. The slightly higher part is on the far side of a deer fence, but the part we can access is worth the effort with great views. We return by the outward route as far as the waymarked path, then a short scenic detour back to the starting point.  
Distance – 5.2 miles/ 8.5 km   Ascent – 830 feet/ 250 meters    

Saturday 22^nd August
Tarbat Ness circular  
Grade  C+  Time  10:00  Grid ref NH913842   OS sheet  21  
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  9.00  
Coastal circuit on paths, grass tracks and shore line. Good views throughout and possibly spotting seabirds, dolphins and seals.  
Distance – 8.75 miles/ 14 km  Ascent – 433feet/ 132m  

Sunday 30^th August
Walk 1
Morven – The Highest Caithness Peak
Grade  A+ Time 09:30  Grid ref ND073304 OS sheet  17
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  7:30
This is a long walk to a steep hill that rises out of the Caithness skyline. It is somewhat unique to Caithness. It is a good walk to the hill and will be boggy and peatland as we get towards the hill. The walk is likely to take 7 hours or so and if there is time we may detour to Maiden Pap. The height climbed represents Morven only, it will be more if we take the detour. This walk is long and tiring, plenty of food, water and walking gear will be needed.
Distance – 11 miles / 17 km  Ascent 2300- feet/ 700 meters

Walk 2
Kingussie to Newtonmore
Grade C   Time 10:00  Grid Ref NH755007   OS Sheet  35
Rendezvous point   old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk 09:00
Start walk from Ardvonie car park behind Duke of Gordon hotel. Walk up beside river Gynack towards golf course . We join good paths that lead you along by Loch Gynack then through woodland . Walk then opens out to views of Creag Dubh and The Monadhliaths. We then head down into Newtonmore and follow the cycle track back to Kingussie 
Distance 8 miles/ 13 km, Ascent 500ft/ 155 m

5/6^th September weekend away

Sunday 13^th September
Glen Torridon  
Grade  C+  Time  10:30  Grid ref  NH002581  OS sheet  25  
Rendezvous point  Old Royal Infirmary, Ness Walk  Time  09:00  
Park at the small layby on the A896 opposite the turning at Loch Clair. Walk East along the A896 for 1.2 miles (The Boring but Necessary Bit), before turning South onto a 4WD track over the river and into the forest. The track climbs through the trees (The Steep Bit), emerging as a high level, undulating walk with excellent panoramic views to Beinn Eighe & Liathac, and later across Loch Coulin (The Scenic Bit). After a gradual descent, leave open country, turning West to continue downhill through pleasant woodland (The Relaxing Bit). This joins the path along the East shore of Loch Coulin, heading North. Then following the East shore of Loch Clair back to the car park.  
Distance – 7.1 miles/ 11.3 km    Ascent – 820 feet/ 250 meters   

Saturday 19^th September
 Dog Falls & Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin  
Grade  B  Time  10:00  Grid ref  NH283283  OS sheet  25  
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  09:00  
From the Dog Falls walk to Coire Loch. Continue up the hill until overlooking Tomich. Continue through the forest to Innis Bhuidhe. Cut back over the hills to Loch Affric & then follow the Loch Affric circular route back to Benevean Dam & then back down to the Dog Falls.  
Distance – 8.3 miles/ 13.4 km   Ascent – 1300 feet/ 396 meters   

Sunday 27^th September
Cnoc a Mhargadaidh and 3 wee lochs, Evanton  
Grade  C+  Time  9.45  Grid ref  NH607662  OS sheet  21 
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk,  09:00
Meet in the Evanton carpark (opposite the Co-op/Novar Arms) and combine cars (limited parking) to drive the 10 mins to the start of the walk. Start of walk NH596661. On good tracks we make our way towards and then up Cnoc a Mhargadaidh (Market Hill) – a steep grassy climb which is worth the panoramic view from the top. Back down and then we take a big circuit around the hill on mostly pleasant and level forest tracks and paths including visiting three small lochs, Loch Agoo, Loch JU and an unnamed loch. Some of the paths can be quite wet, and we do cross a small stream (over stepping stones).  
Distance – 6 miles/ 9.5 km    Ascent -775 feet/ 236 meters    

Saturday 3rd October
Geal-Charn Beag (Kinveachy)/Carn na Guaille  
Grade  B  Time  09.45  Grid ref  NH855200  OS sheet  35 
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  0900 
Directions: In Carrbridge turn right at the famous ‘humpy back bridge’ and follow the sign to /Dalnahatnach for approximately four miles on single track road. A wooden bridge (care needed) is crossed prior to arriving at the car park.
Route: This whole circular route is on good track. Initially we ascend gently with views quickly opening up in all directions. After morning coffee we cross a little stream followed by a short, steepish ascent. We then continue on a gradual two mile ascent to the summit of Geal Charn Beag with spectacular views of the Cairngorms. As we descend we retrace our outward route slightly then head in an easterly direction towards Carn na Guaile and an open seated shelter. The last section is on a Wade Military track, returning to the cars. Post walk coffee, cake and craic – Carrbridge Kitchen or North Gateway Cafe.  
Distance – 9miles/ 15 km  Ascent -1500 feet/ 450 meters   

Sunday 11^th October
Inverduie & Loch Gamhna circular  
Grade  C  Time  10:00  Grid ref  NH901110  OS sheet  36 
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  09:00  
Walk from Inverdurie to Loch an Eilein. Continue round loch & extend round Loch Gamhna. Return via White well & Tullochgrue back to Coylumbridge. Follow B970 back to Inverdruie.  
Distance – 9 miles/ 14.4 km   Ascent – 557 feet/ 170 meters  

Saturday 17^th October
Ben Aigan  
Grade  B+  Time  10:30  Grid ref  NJ333490  OS sheet  28 
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  09:00  
Directions: Drive to Craigellachie and take the A95. Parking is at the Ben Aigan forestry car park near Bridge of Oldtown
Walk description: This walk follows good tracks, firstly to Knock More transmitter and then on to the summit of Ben Aigan. Stunning views all round at the top, towards the Cairngorms and the Moray Firth. The descent will be slightly different and may be boggy in one section. The summit is also a plane crash site where a Whitley Bomber crashed during WW2 and is marked with a small memorial.  
Distance – Approx 7miles/ 10 km    Ascent – 1545 ft/ 471 m       

Sunday 25^th October
The Aird and Mam a’ Chatha  
Grade  B  Time  0930  Grid ref  NH604441  OS sheet  26  
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk  Time  09:00 
The walk is graded B because of the middle part is tough going. Meet at he old water tank at Kirkton Muir above Bunchrew. Start the walk by heading SW to Altnacardich. Then head south into the Aird. Going gets a bit rough (heather stepping) in the middle, hence the B grading. Once we climb Mam a’ Chatha the view makes up for all the effort. Looking over Beauly, the Firth and distant hills. Walking is on tracks, minor road and dodging fallen trees. Return by different loop.  
Distance – 6 miles/ 10km  Ascent – 540ft/ 170 m   

Saturday 31^st October
Loch Migdale. (New route)  
Grade  C  Time  10.30  Grid ref   NH669907  OS sheet  21
Rendezvous point  old Royal Infirmary building, Ness Walk   Time  9.00  
Park at Torray near Spinningdale. Starting on easy woodland track then reaching a higher gradient section to good view over Kyle of Sutherland and toward Dornoch bridge, (coffee). Continuing up forestry road to another excellent viewpoint then down on moorland track and forest to have lunch on Migdale Loch edge. Then continuing back to cars.  
Distance – 6miles/ 9.66km  Ascent – 490 feet/ 150 meters