Gravel Cycling
Strathconon Estate Circuit
Scotland's forgotten glen — 30km of private estate road with no other cyclists
Quick facts
- Distance
- 55 km (34 mi)
- Ascent
- 900 m
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Route type
- Loop
- Archetype
- Estate Circuit
- Region
- Easter Ross
- Start point
- Marybank, near Muir of Ord
- Grid ref
- NH 435 530
- Parking
- IV6 7UA
- Midges
- High
- Dogs
- On lead only
Surface breakdown
- Estate road60%
- Double-track30%
- Tarmac single-track10%
About this route
Strathconon is one of Scotland's most overlooked glens — a long, narrow valley running west from the Black Isle into the Easter Ross hills, entirely owned by a private deer-stalking estate and accessible only by a single-track road ending at a locked gate 15km from the main road. Beyond that gate, the estate tracks extend another 20km into some of the most remote and beautiful Highland landscape outside the far northwest.
This circuit uses SOAC access rights to ride the full length of the glen on the estate road to the head of Loch Meig, then crosses the watershed on a rough double-track to descend the Glenbeg burn back to Marybank. The climb over the watershed is the crux — 380m on a track that was last maintained for stalking ponies rather than vehicles. But the descent into the inner glen and the utter solitude of Strathconon are unlike anywhere else within 30 minutes of Inverness.
Highlights
- The gate at Scardroy — beyond here the glen is yours; no other cyclists, no day-trippers
- Loch Meig dam — 1950s concrete dam at the head of the reservoir, surprisingly dramatic
- Inner Strathconon beyond the reservoir — open glen with Golden Eagle territory
- The bealach crossing — sudden views north to the Fannichs and south to Ben Wyvis
- Return river valley — River Conon in the lower glen, salmon pools visible September–October
Key waypoints
- 1. Marybank
- 2. Scardroy Lodge
- 3. inner Strathconon
- 4. Loch Meig
- 5. Meig reservoir head
- 6. return loop
Cafés & pubs on route
- · No cafés on route — bring all food
- · Muir of Ord has a Co-op and café
Named climbs
- Glenbeg forest climb (380m)
- Scardroy estate track (420m)
- Bealach climb (360m)
Notable descents
- Inner glen descent to Strathconon river
- Meig reservoir drop
Deer stalking season
Stalking season October–February — contact estate before riding. Red deer stalking on Highland estates runs 1 August – 20 October (stags) and 21 October – 15 February (hinds). During active stalking, estate tracks may be closed for safety. Hillphones lists scheduled shooting by estate and date.
Route notes
The road to Scardroy Lodge is a public road — the estate track beyond is accessed under SOAC rights. Phone the estate before visiting (Strathconon Estate, posted number at Scardroy) to confirm no stalking conflict. The bealach track is not on all mapping apps — download the OS 1:25k before riding.
Seasonal conditions
Midges are severe at Loch Meig and the inner glen June–August. The estate tracks are at their best May–June after spring maintenance and before the ground becomes overgrown. October brings the red deer rut — dramatic, atmospheric, and potentially hazardous on the exposed bealach.
Key hazards
- Stalking season October–February — contact estate before riding
- Bealach track deteriorates rapidly after heavy rain
- No phone signal from Scardroy to the bealach (20km)
- Golden Eagle nesting areas — respect any temporary restriction notices from the estate
Water sources on route
- River Conon throughout
- Loch Meig shore streams
- Multiple burns throughout
Always filter or treat water from natural sources. Carry at least 1L reserve on remote sections.
OS map sheets
Nearest hill
Little Wyvis
763m · central-highlands
View hill
Nearest bothy
Knockdamph Bothy
Walk-in: 5 km · north-west-highlands
View bothy
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:10
- Sunset
- 21:19
- Civil dawn
- 04:19
- Civil dusk
- 22:10
NOAA Solar Calculator · 9 May 2026
Common questions
- Do I need permission to ride the Strathconon estate track?
- Scotland's Land Reform Act gives the right to access land on foot, bike, or horse for non-motorised recreation. No formal permission is needed, but notifying the estate (Strathconon Estate office) is strongly recommended during stalking season (August–February) as a courtesy and safety measure.
- Is there any accommodation in Strathconon?
- There is nothing in the glen itself — no bunkhouse, no hostel, no B&B. Wild camping at Loch Meig is the only option for overnight stays. Muir of Ord (20 minutes east) has a hotel and several B&Bs.
- How serious is the bealach crossing?
- The track is rideable on a gravel bike in dry conditions but technical in wet weather. Several steep rocky sections require dismounting. Allow 2 hours for the bealach crossing and descent to Marybank — it's slow terrain.
- Can I extend the route further into the glen?
- Stalkers' paths continue from the head of the reservoir into the hills — these are hike-a-bike terrain beyond the estate track. The Fannichs can be approached from the north via these paths for an extraordinary day in the hills.