Càrn a' Choin Deirg from Croick

Croick Church

North of Inverness, the A9 crosses the Black Isle and continues to the Dornoch Firth, at the head of which lies Ardgay. From the centre of this village a narrow road, signed for Culrain and Croick, heads westwards.

Passing through Strath Carron, the road divides, with one branch following the north bank of the River Carron and the other the south. These rejoin further up the strath, after which the road continues west past an old red phone box (now housing a defibrillator) at the junction for Glencalvie Estate. Just over 1km beyond, the scattered buildings of Croick are reached.

Near the western end of the settlement, shortly before the public road ends, stands Croick Church — a former Telford church built in 1827 (currently closed due to structural issues). Parking is available here with space for several vehicles. Further information on the church can be found at croickchurch.com.

Looking up Srath Chuileannach to Càrn Beag and Càrn a' Choin Deirg

From the church, the public road is followed to its end, where a large gate in a deer fence blocks onward progress. A side gate allows access, accompanied by a sign announcing Ullapool as 30 miles distant. Beyond, a good estate track runs westwards up Strath Chuileannach.

The track is followed for around 3km, passing a large farm shed and continuing to a point close to a girder bridge over the Abhainn an t-Srath Chuileannaich. A suspension bridge lies a further 800m upstream but its condition appears poor, with one of the supporting cables visibly damaged.

Girder bridge over the Abhainn an t-Srath Chuileannaich

Girder bridge over the Abhainn an t-Srath Chuileannaich

Standing stone on Càrn Beag with final pull up Càrn a' Choin Deirg ahead

The direct option begins by following the bank of a small burn uphill. Underfoot conditions quickly deteriorate, becoming damp and uneven, before the edge of forestry is reached. The boundary fence is followed uphill for a short distance before striking directly upslope. Grass gives way to increasingly dense heather, and progress becomes rougher as height is gained. A bealach south-east of Càrn Beag is eventually reached and crossed, where the terrain becomes even more testing.

The longer alternative initially follows the southern bank of the Abhainn an t-Srath Chuileannaich upstream for around 800m, providing an enjoyable stretch of grassy walking. Nearing the suspension bridge , the route turns away from the river and enters forestry, following the Allt Ghiubhais upstream. Keeping to the northern bank proves easiest, and several small waterfalls are passed along the way. On leaving the forest , the Allt Ghiubhais continues to be followed over grass and rushes towards the foot of Càrn Beag. Although the slope steepens, a grassy line through otherwise heather-clad ground allows relatively straightforward ascent, though heather is encountered higher up.

Both approaches converge, aiming for a standing stone just below the summit of Càrn Beag (perhaps a shooting party's 'grouse stone' ?). Beyond this point there is a short descent to a small lochan lying on a bealach. From here the final ascent of Càrn a' Choin Deirg begins, still pathless and with further heather to contend with.

Looking to Seana Bhraigh from Càrn a' Choin Deirg

Looking to Seana Bhraigh from Càrn a' Choin Deirg

Ben Klibreck distant from Càrn a' Choin Deirg

The return follows the same route. Ben Klibreck dominates the outlook while descending back towards Càrn Beag. Once back in the strath, the twin summits of Càrn Chuinneag come into view while heading south-east along the estate track towards Croick.