Monamenach

An easily achievable corbett at the head of the public road into Glen Isla. The ascent route makes use of landrover and quad bike tracks whilst the descent route is on more challenging off path terrain. On a clear day there are good views across to the Glen Shee hills and into upper Glen Isla.

  • Distance: 6.3 km / 4 miles
  • Ascent: 470 m / 1540 feet
  • Terrain: landrover and quad bike tracks for ascent, off path hillside for descent, some peat bog
  • Start / finish: Glen Isla (Auchavan). Limited rough parking beside the river (grid ref NO 192 697).

Route Map

route map

From the informal parking area walk back along the track to the end of the public road. Take the right hand option at the junction past Auchavan. After a gate, head left up the hill on a track.

The track provides an easy ascent beside the Glack Burn up to an altitude of 620 m. Leave the track when it bears left across the watershed, on a quad bike track/path heading up the hill. Again, this track provides a straightforward route directly to the summit the area where a small cairn marks your arrival. From here there are views over to Craig Leacach and the other Glen Shee Hills, up into the glacial trench of Canness Glen and back down Glen Isla.

You could return by your ascent route for an easy option but if you don’t mind a bit of off path walking then head downhill in a north east direction. Aim for the peat haggy ground at the coll between Monamenach and Cairn Doos. On reaching the peat hags, bear right to the summit of Cairn Doos, picking your way across the boggy bits. A small pile of stones marks the summit of Cairn Doos.

Descend south east and then south along the ridge line keeping to the high ground and reaching an obvious cairn on a rock. Start to descend the steep hillside down into the glen with the trees to your right. Pick your way through the initial boulders. Lower down the terrain improves with just a bit of bracken that you can easily avoid.

Join the track in Glen Isla where you turn right to follow it back to Auchavan. After exiting the trees, there is a short cut path on your left leading back to the river.