Reap rewards from a modest climb
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YOU don’t always have to go far to get the best views. This little walk above Muir of Ord certainly proves that.
It’s an easy forest jaunt on clearly signposted tracks and paths and from the top there are panoramic views taking in the Beauly and Cromarty firths and the Glen Affric mountains.
The most testing part of the route-finding is to locate the forest gate, which lies at the end of a couple of minor roads leading west from the village centre.
From the south follow a sign to Teandalloch, beside the golf course, then turn right at a T-junction up the hill, going left at a sign to Upper Aultvaich.
Park at a small area only suitable for a couple of cars where the road bends left to a farm and a gate crosses the forest track ahead (making sure not to block the gate).
A wooden sign points onwards up the track to Cnoc Croit na Maoile – or Ord Hill as it is more commonly known.
I put my boots on and climbed over the high stile into Corry Wood, following the track as it bends right. It was good to be out in the fresh air on a chilly morning and the sun was flickering on and off between wintry showers.
I walked through the pleasant mixed woodland, dominated by pine, and headed round the shoulder of a small hill.
At a sharp left turn in the track you cross the ridge of this hill and see down into an interesting little gorge containing the Jessmore Burn, which is crossed at a bend in the track ahead.
A tatty old caravan lay abandoned in a large layby beside the track just after the bridge, presumably the remnants of some former forestry worker’s shelter.
It’s a sorry sight in somewhere as pleasant as this and I’m sure it could be disposed of responsibly with a suitable forestry vehicle.
Without letting it spoil my enjoyment of this lovely walk I continued around the base of Cnoc Croit na Maoile until another sign directed me left up the ridge.
A path leads more steeply uphill now, passing through a very boggy patch which I squelched over before continuing on a narrow route between Scots pine and heather.
Ahead of me I could see another sign for Ord Hill and, as I approached it, a snow-topped Beinn a’ Bha’ach Ard was visible over the heather and trees, with Loch nam Bonnach down in the bowl.
It was a beautiful sight and from here it is only a short way up to the trig point. Take a right turn at the fork in the path and follow it through the heather to the concrete pillar, now painted white with a wooden seat fixed to the outside spanning all four sides.
There was a strong breeze blowing up here on the 319 metre summit but I stayed for a while looking over the two firths as far as the Kessock Bridge and beyond the Beauly Firth, while behind me the Affric hills were obscured by grey cloud, only occasionally showing off their snowy tops.
Nearer to hand I could see Knockfarrel and Torr Achilty above Contin. I wondered if there was a way down to Loch nam Bonnach through the forest where I could meet another path which the map shows leads back down to Upper Aultvaich, but I didn’t have time to go off piste and explore today.
I’d be interested to know if anyone has the answer.
Walking on past the trig point I kept left to follow the path back round the top of the hill to the last signpost and followed the same route down through the woods for a delightful stroll that took little over an hour – grand rewards for such a modest climb.
TAKE THE 50X50 CHALLENGE TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
I joined more than 5000 people in last year’s inaugural 5x50 Challenge and from this Sunday I’m doing it all again. There’s still time for you to sign up to this fantastic charity event and make getting active part of your day-to-day routine.
What is it?
A different kind of physical challenge. Instead of setting a one-off goal like a marathon, the 5x50 aims to help make activity a part of everyday life. You can run, walk, jog or cycle 5km a day for 50 days – and change habits for a lifetime.
Who says?
More than 5000 people signed up for the first challenge last year and even more are expected to join in this year.
Ray Wallace, of Cannich, Inverness-shire, is one of the core team organisers. He told Active Outdoors: "People should be encouraged to sign up to the 5x50 Challenge and feel the amazing physical and psychological benefits that come from taking part. It’s an achievable challenge where people can mix up their activities on a daily basis between many different activities to work towards their 50-day goal and hopefully work to change their habits of a lifetime making exercise a regular part of life and with the added link to charities knowing that their hard work and effort will benefit so many others who strive just to have a better way of life."
When?
From this Sunday until Sunday, May 19.
Where?
Wherever you like! Cycle to work, walk to the shops, go for a jog at lunchtime – you can fit your 5km a day into your lifestyle and other commitments.
A launch event and a final day event were held in Inverness and Muir of Ord last year. Launch day in the Highlands will take place at Bught Park in Inverness at 10.30am on Sunday. This will be a chance for challengers to meet up and celebrate the start of their 50-day journey. A 5km run will follow the Parkrun route – a weekly 5km run event in Inverness – and give challengers a kick start to the challenge.
How do I get involved?
Sign up at 5x50.co.uk and follow @5x50Challenge on Twitter. It costs a fiver to enter (most of which goes to Comic Relief) then you can raise sponsorship money for any charity you like or just enter for fun.
