Glen Orrin from Strathconon

A fantastic circular walk starting at Inverchoran Bridge in the Strathconon Estate, from where you will head into the scenic and remote Glen Orrin to Luipmaldrig bothy. The return section is via a spectacularly scenic hill pass.

Technical sheet

26231475
A Highland walk posted on 30/08/22 by Gillian's Walks. Last update : 29/09/22
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.57 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 5h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 467 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 466 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 440 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 141 m
  • ⚐
    District: Highland 
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 57.513389° / W 4.906734°

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Glen Orrin

Description

Start : Inverchoran Bridge. Grid ref. NH 26027 50772

(S/E) Starting at Inverchoran Bridge, head south across the River Meig towards a small cluster of buildings which make up the remote hamlet of Inverchoran.

(1) On reaching the immediate vicinity of Inverchoran, keep left (South East) at a fork and then turn right (West) to cross a ford, therefore by-passing the main building. After the ford, keep left (South) to follow the Allt Gleann Chorainn along a good track. The burn should be on your right-hand side.

(2) Look out for a less distinct grassier path 400m along, winding its way uphill to your left (South East). Walk up this track for 2.3km and 245m ascent.

(3) When you reach a fork, follow the left track. It begins to go gently downhill, arriving at an obvious fork 600m along.

(4) Take the left fork (South East). At the time of writing, just beyond this section the path was re-routed away from the one on the map for a short distance due to a regeneration project taking place to protect it from deer. If this is still the case, you will soon pass through a gate in a deer fence into the protected area. The path becomes less distinct and boggier for a short time as you pass through this area cordoned off by deer fences.

(5) Continue to head East and then North-East along a narrow footpath with the River Orrin to your right all the way along the glen.

(6) Luipmaldrig Bothy will come into sight approx 3km along Glen Orrin. The continuation of the route goes past the left (west) side of the bothy, up an embankment. It then follows the course of the Allt Gleannan Mall-luirge. The burn should initially be on your right-hand side with a steep drop down to it.

(7) Keep the burn on your right-hand side for approx 1km then cross a ford. The burn will now be on your left-hand side as you continue North-West along its edge.

(8) The path climbs gently to reach Loch Airigh Lochain over to your left where the land flattens out.

(9) Approx 3km from the ford, you will enter a forest where the path widens and descends steeply through the trees. You will reach a crossroads 800m down.

(10) At the crossroads with a track to the right and two tracks on your left, take the second left (South West) to continue downhill.

(11) Turn right (North West). This leads you downhill and brings you out next to Inverchoran. Re-cross the ford from earlier and retrace your steps to Inverchoran Bridge (S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 144 m - Inverchoran Bridge
  2. 1 : km 0.4 - alt. 145 m - Fork
  3. 2 : km 0.93 - alt. 188 m - Grassy path
  4. 3 : km 2.62 - alt. 410 m - Fork
  5. 4 : km 3.75 - alt. 382 m - Fork
  6. 5 : km 4.56 - alt. 303 m - Re-join main path
  7. 6 : km 7.68 - alt. 270 m - Luipmaldrig Bothy
  8. 7 : km 8.63 - alt. 330 m - Ford
  9. 8 : km 9.5 - alt. 393 m - Loch Airigh Lochain on your left
  10. 9 : km 11.68 - alt. 352 m - Forest
  11. 10 : km 12.46 - alt. 220 m - Crossroads
  12. 11 : km 12.6 - alt. 197 m - Right turn
  13. S/E : km 13.57 - alt. 142 m - Inverchoran Bridge

Useful Information

Start : Inverchoran Bridge. Grid ref. NH 26027 50772

Transport
There are very limited car parking options near the start of this walk. We found a place next to the Strathconon Estate sign on the north side of Inverchoran Bridge. This is approx 9 miles south-west along the single-track Achonochie Road from Meig Dam. Close to Contin and Muir of Ord.

Terrain
There are good footpaths throughout. Can be boggy in places. Lots of up and downhill sections, mostly gentle with one steeper section through the forest at the end. No stiles or steps. Navigation skills are essential due to the remoteness.

For more information and a walk review, visit Gillian's Walks

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

During the walk or to do/see around

  • Strathconon Estate
  • Glen Orrin
  • River Orrin
  • Luipmaldrig bothy
  • Loch Airigh Lochain
  • Depending on the time of year, you will see a variety of plant life, and birds of prey, deer and adders can all be spotted too

(2) See photo on Gillian's Walks website.

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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.

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