Leathad an Taobhain and Càrn Dearg Mòr

Leathad an Taobhain and Càrn Dearg Mòr is a 22.7-mile (36.5-km) loop from Glen Feshie, with a retraced spur to Leathad followed by a different return over Càrn Dearg Mòr. Allow 9–10 hours for about 1,150 m of climbing. This suits hillwalkers after a long, remote day who are comfortable navigating when the path fades. If you want a short, waymarked walk, pick something else.

Start at the Glen Feshie car park about 1 km short of Achlean. Head toward the farm, take the signed Upper Glen Feshie branch, cross a burn and then the River Feshie bridge before joining the estate road. The burn crossing can be difficult when the water is high. Follow the road past Carnachuin and Glen Feshie Lodge, then take the track up the narrow, trench-like Slochd Mòr. Lochan an t-Sluic is a useful landmark before the fork for the first summit.

The track curves across moorland past Meall an Uilt Chreagaich, then ends near a small cairn marking an old path toward the bealach. That path is faint and the bealach is boggy; a stone ruin sits just west of the worst ground. Pick up a rough path on the far slope. It fades before the summit, so keep going to the trig point at 912 m. The western top shown on some maps is lower. The rounded summit has far-reaching views, with Cairn Toul standing out across the Cairngorms. Return the same way to the track fork.

At the fork, go left and stay on the main track around the felled area. The direct ascent north is very rough, with tussocky heather and young trees where mapped tracks have been removed. After about 1.6 km, take the older track and then the faint path up the heathery ridge; ATV tracks lead to the 857 m summit. This is the stronger viewpoint, with glimpses down Glen Feshie and north over Badenoch and Strathspey. Descend along the broad ridge past the Càrn Dearg Beag trig point. When the track fades, keep to the ridge and avoid the heavy ground to the east; the track through pinewoods reaches the glen north of Carnachuin. Follow the outward route back to the car park.

The route is exposed in poor weather and has long stretches of rough heather, bog and faint or missing paths. Bring reliable navigation and a backup, and don't set out if the burn crossing is unsafe. The southern slopes of Leathad reach Atholl Estates stalking ground; check the estate's current access advice during stalking season. Dogs may accompany walkers under Scotland's access guidance, but keep them under proper control around livestock and wildlife. No public transport to the start or confirmed toilets, water or food stops were found.