Allanreid to Morinsh

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
12.5 kms	6 hours	0 metres	Explorer 419: Grantown-on-Spey & Hills of Cromdale

Description

From the Allanreid car park, walk back along the public road towards Tombae for about 200m, then turn right and follow the forest road north eastwards through the Carn Muldonich plantation. After about 2.5 km the new forest road ends at a turning circle but the walk continues straight on along an old road, which climbs gradually uphill before turning northwards to cross the shoulder between Carn Muldonich and Carn Dregnie. The road then descends to a small ford across the Allt a'Choileachain burn. Follow the road alongside the north east bank of the burn, for about 1 km, to a bend in the road next to the Allt Cullach. At this point the road enters Forestry Commission plantations, but the walk can be continued following the red squirrel waymarkers to the Morinsh car park on the B9009 Glenlivet to Dufftown road (a further 3.5 Km). As the road crosses the Allt Cullach and turns westwards, another track heads northwards, uphill through the trees. This is part of a network of old drovers' roads which once crossed these hills linking Glenrinnes and Glenlivet, now one of the forestry access roads. It was on this road near the point that it reaches the saddle between Carn Tighearn and Tom Culloch that the Battle of Glenlivet (or Battle of Alt a'Choilachain), was fought in 1594. Retrace your steps to return to the car park. A more interesting return route involves an ascent of Cairn Muldonich before descending to the Tombae road. This route over Cairn Muldonich is exposed and not waymarked, so please take care if visibility is poor. To follow this alternative, return along the forest road to the Allt a Choileachan ford. Continue along the road back up the steep brae to the point where the road starts to level out on the shoulder near Carn Dregnie. At the highest point of the road, before it starts to descend back through the trees leave the track and head south westwards along one of the forest rides which lead uphill towards the summit of Cairn Muldonich. Cross the hill fence at the edge of the wood and continue across the open hill to the top. The broad summit provides some wonderful views onto the surrounding hills it is also worth keeping an eye open for red deer. From the top follow the rounded south west ridge descending to pick up the hill path which leads down to Tombae house. At Tombae the path meets the public road. Turn left onto the road and head eastwards back to Allanreid car park.

Access Info

Start: GR 235249. Allanreid car park, Tombae road.

Additional Info

Distance: 5.4 miles, 9 km to Morinsh. 3.5 miles, 6 km to the Battle site. Route: Forest road. A steady ascent through sheltered plantations to the site of the Battle of Glenlivet. Can include an ascent of Cairn Muldonich.