Carn na h-Easgainn from Strathdearn

Carn na h-Easgainn from Strathdearn

Hiking or biking route up Carn na h-Easgainn from Strathdearn and Lynebeg

Several options for hiking or biking up the estate tracks and windfarm roads to reach Carn na h-Easgainn, the highest point on the moorland overlooking Tomatin



Route outline


Fionas

Carn na h-Easgainn

Ascent 500m (1640ft)
Distance 12km (8m)
Time 3:50hr
Start Lynebeg
Grid Ref : NH767340
Finish Glen Kyllachy
Grid Ref : NH737256
Terrain
easy hard
Nav
easy hard
Effort
easy hard
Scenery
ok fab


A straightforward hike from the A9 follows an estate track directly to the summit of Carn na h-Easgainn. From here, a network of tracks and wind farm roads criss-cross the vast moorlands between Tomatin and Farr, offering options for further exploration.

For a more adventurous route, consider a point-to-point hike from Lynebeg over Carn na h-Easgainn, continuing through Farr Wind Farm and down into Glen Kyllachy - provided transport can be arranged.



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Route description


1. Getting to Lynebeg

A few miles south of Inverness, a signpost on the A9 marks a dead-end road leading to Lynebeg. Follow this road to a gate in a deer-fence, where there is space to park one or two cars.

Further up this road, there are a few houses and near the end wat looks like a parking aea beside some bins - this is most likely a turning-circle and a sign indicates it is not for parking.


2. Carn na h-Easgainn

On the track from Lynebeg, view back to Moy and Carn nan Tri-tighearnan

On the track from Lynebeg, view back to Moy and Carn nan Tri-tighearnan

From the gate, continue on foot up the road, passing the houses to reach the turning circle. Cross over a cattle grid (a side gate is available for dogs) and follow the rough track westward.

As the track veers left, it passes a house before reaching a junction - keep left. The track, now on a slight incline, passes a small shed before descending into woodland. Cross a burn beside a beautifully carved wooden seat, then begin climbing again.

On Carn na h-Easgainn's summit, looking to Ben Wyvis

On Carn na h-Easgainn's summit, looking to Ben Wyvis

Beyond a gate in a deer fence , the route is straightforward - simply follow the track as it winds uphill to Carn na h-Easgainn's summit . A trig point stands beside a fence line, with stunning views stretching across the Moray Firth, northward to Ben Wyvis, and beyond to the hills of Easter Ross.

On Carn na h-Easgainn's summit, looking to Ben Wyvis

On Carn na h-Easgainn's summit, looking to Ben Wyvis


3. Over to Farr and Strathdearn

Wind turbines of Farr Wind Farm

Wind turbines of Farr Wind Farm

From the summit of Carn na h-Easgainn, a vast expanse of high moorland unfolds, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration - especially by bike. With transport arranged for pickup, there are several potential endpoints to aim for : Farr in Strathnairn, Glen Kyllachy, Tomatin, or Auchintoul in Strathdearn.

Turning south-east, follow the track for around 500m as it descends to a junction , where a choice of route is made.

Continuing straight on leads down the track to another junction - turning left descends directly to the A9 between Lynebeg and Tomatin (a cycle route runs alongside the A9) - turning right follows a rough track as it curves around Carn Moraig, passing a couple of stalker's bothies , before ultimately leading to either Tomatin or Auchintoul in Strathdearn, depending on route choices further on.

Turning right at the first junction and crossing over a gate (locked on every occasion I've been here) drops gently down a rough track to then climb towards Farr Windfarm. Upon reaching the first of the wind turbines , a network of fairly smooth gravel-roads then criss-cross the moorland.

The main exit from the windfarm is signposted and begins from the highest point on the windfarm from where the road heads westwards towards Farr at the north-western corner of the moorland. Other exits can be found by using the estate tracks leading to Glen Kyllachy or the sub-station roads that head towards Strathdearn.

Crossing the Allt a' Mharcaidh below the sub-station

Crossing the Allt a' Mharcaidh below the sub-station

Note that the road crossing Glen Kyllachy to Farr is not cleared of snow in winter !

Crossing the Allt a' Mharcaidh below the sub-station

Crossing the Allt a' Mharcaidh below the sub-station





Route profile »




Maps and GPX downloads »


If just heading in and out from Lynebeg, then only OL60 is needed, but if crossing over to Strathdearn, then two maps are needed.

Information on maps and GPX files is on this page.

The map images above link to items on Amazon. A small commission is earned on any map purchased which helps fund the operating costs of this website.





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Alternative and nearby routes »


Carn nan Tri-tighearnan from Moy

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Peaks : 1 Fiona

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Distance : 20km (12m)
Time : 2:40hr

Carn Glas-choire from the Dava Moor

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Time : 2:50hr

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Peaks : 1 Corbett

Ascent : 700m (2300ft)
Distance : 13km (8m)
Time : 4:30hr









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