Meall na Faochaig and Beinn Mheadhoin from Strathconon

West of Inverness, the A832 heads through Muir of Ord to Marybank, beyond which is Strathconon. This rather lovely glen has little lochs and hydro schemes, aside which travels an unclassified and narrow road.

Through Strathconon and past the settlements of Bridgend, Porin and Milton, the road turns south-west into a much less populated area.

Just before reaching Loch Beannacharain at the end of the strath, there's a turn-off for the house at Inverchoran on the south side of the River Meig. Verge-side parking can be made here, or possibly better, in a gravel roadside patch around 400m before reaching the turn-off.

From the road junction, the minor road is followed west for around 400m, where a gate in a fence is reached among the thick heather on the right. Once through the gate (it was found difficult to unlatch), a rather overgrown stalkers’ path is picked up. This traverses the hillside, climbing gently above the houses and forestry of Carnoch. The path meets a fence and turns north, becoming rougher as it works its way to a sharp bend . From here it heads east, rising slightly towards the top of Creag Iucharaidh.

At a convenient point the track is left, and a heather-clad spur is taken to aim directly uphill onto Meall na Faochaig’s crest. On the crest, remains of an old fence are met — sections of wire hidden in the heather can trip the unwary. The crest is then followed over easy ground to Meall na Faochaig’s summit , where a small cairn sits with fine views, particularly down the River Meig and across to Moruisg.

The return is by the same line, though a short detour onto Creag Iucharaidh is recommended for the striking outlook along Strathconon.

From the junction, the estate road is followed downhill to cross the bridge over the River Meig. Beyond, the track is taken south, passing a junction and a side gate
The track travels through woodland before reaching a fork
The path climbs past a line of cairns and peters out at around 500m
This summit makes a fine viewpoint, with expansive prospects towards the Strathfarrar Munros and a striking view onto Bac an Eich, whose hidden craggy north-east face is well seen. The return is made by the same route, with Meall na Faochaig prominent ahead for much of the descent.