Graham · North-West Highlands
Carn na Coinnich
Carn na Coinnich (673m) — the meeting cairn — stands on the north side of Strathconon in the NH35 square, the trig pillar topping a broad moorland summit that looks east to the Black Isle and west toward the Munros of An Riabhachan. A natural pairing with Meall na Faochaig just to the west forms a fine long ridge day.
Quick facts
- Height
- 673.4m/ 2209ft
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 552 m
- Time
- 4–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH324510
- Parking
- NH277492
- Nearest city
- Inverness
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather moorland 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
Start from the public road end at Scardroy Lodge in upper Strathconon and follow the Allt na h-Eilrig track north. Once above the steepening, leave the path and climb the heathery south-east ridge directly. The trig appears suddenly on the broad summit dome after a long stretch of cropped grass and bilberry — the view east opens to the firths in clear conditions.
Terrain
Estate track through Scardroy woodland, then a long heathery climb on the south-east ridge with no formal path. The summit dome is firm underfoot — cropped grass and bilberry replace the heather above 600m. Easy walking but a long approach from the gate.
In winter
Strathconon hills hold patchy snow on east and north faces with the broad summit dome usually wind-scoured. Whiteout navigation on the featureless top is the chief winter hazard. The trig serves as a confidence-building waypoint but is easily walked past in cloud.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 36m
- Edinburgh4h 51m
OS maps: OS Landranger 26
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Loch Monar/Strathfarrar area; limited coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:32
- Sunset
- 22:02
- Civil dawn
- 03:28
- Civil dusk
- 23:06
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Around Carn na Coinnich on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Dingwall station
Ben Wyvis approach; Easter Ross; junction for Kyle and Far North lines
24km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Inverness
Highland capital — gateway to Cairngorms, Affric, Far North
35km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Glen Ord
Muir of Ord — Black Isle distillery; the Singleton range's Highland anchor
20km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Carn na Coinnich — common questions
- How hard is Carn na Coinnich?
- Carn na Coinnich is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 552m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Estate track through Scardroy woodland, then a long heathery climb on the south-east ridge with no formal path.
- Where do I park for Carn na Coinnich?
- Standard parking is at NH277492 near Inverness. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Carn na Coinnich?
- The standard good-weather months for Carn na Coinnich are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Carn na Coinnich?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Carn na Coinnich?
- Poor. Remote Loch Monar/Strathfarrar area; limited coverage.
- Is Carn na Coinnich safe in winter?
- Strathconon hills hold patchy snow on east and north faces with the broad summit dome usually wind-scoured. Whiteout navigation on the featureless top is the chief winter hazard. The trig serves as a confidence-building waypoint but is easily walked past in cloud.