Càrn na h-Easgainn from Strathdearn

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.

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

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

Wind turbines of Farr Wind Farm

From the summit of Càrn 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 Càrn 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