Carn Daimh Circuit from Clash Woods

This is a roughly 10 km (6.2 mi) circuit from Clash Woods Car Park, climbing through farm ground and plantation to Càrn Daimh’s 569 m summit before returning over open hillside. Allow 3–4 hours. The climb gains about 360 m; expect boggy patches and a less distinct path on the final return. Published mile figures vary, so treat the distance as approximate.

Follow the yellow waymarkers with the thistle symbol from the car park. After a short forest road, turn onto the path along the edge of Clash Wood and cross two stiles to the Westertown farm road. Follow the Allt a’Choire past the farm and Craighead ruins, then leave the burn and climb through the field toward Cairn Ellick plantation. In the woods, turn sharply right where the track joins the Speyside Way signed for Ballindalloch; continue through trees and then uphill across open ground to the summit.

From the summit, follow the fence north along the Speyside Way, descending steeply to the plantation edge. A signed track heading east returns more quickly to Westertown; take it only if you want the shorter option. For the full circuit, keep along the forest edge to its corner, turn east by the fence, and leave the Speyside Way at the gate. Follow the fence over Carn Liath’s broad shoulder, past solitary pines, then descend diagonally on an indistinct path to the gap in Lynebeg plantation. The farm track and field lead back to the forest road and car park.

The route mixes farm and forest tracks with stiles, heather and open hillside. The plantation edge can be boggy. The return after leaving the Speyside Way is the easiest place to lose the line: keep beside the fence at the gate, stay above the trees near Lynebeg, and use the estate map and waymarkers at junctions. The full loop is a moderate day walk rather than a casual woodland stroll.

The summit cairn and view indicator sit above the forest. On a clear day the ridge opens toward the Cromdales, Ben Rinnes and Corryhabbie Hill. The broad view from the cairn is the circuit’s main payoff and its best photo stop.

The approach passes the ruins of Craighead farmstead; their history beyond the visible remains is not established. The marshy farmland around the burn is known for curlew, lapwing and oystercatcher in spring. Cattle and sheep are likely on the route.

Start at Clash Woods Car Park near Tomnavoulin (NJ208265). Keep dogs on a lead or under close control around livestock; if cattle threaten, release the dog.