Monega Hill and Glas Maol Round from Glen Isla

This is a 13.1-mile (21.1 km) loop from Auchavan over Monega Hill, Glas Maol and Creag Leacach, then back across rough moor by Black Hill and Monamenach. The full mapped circuit measures about 13 miles; a shorter estimate sometimes given for this walk does not identify a different endpoint. Expect about 1,135 m of ascent and 7 to 7½ hours. It is a hard, exposed day, with the clearest paths on the long climb and the roughest footing on the later peat ground.

Begin at the end of the public road and take the track signed for Tulchan. Cross the cattle grid, keep to the west bank of the River Isla, cross at Tulchan Lodge and continue up the glen. After the forestry the route opens toward the hills. At the Monega Path sign, the tempting shortcut crosses a ditch and burn; it is easier to stay on the track briefly and take the rough grassy track beyond the burn. Parking is limited. Leave the turning area clear for the gritter and school minibus, and follow the estate’s access signs by Tulchan Lodge.

No public transport serves the start, and no food, toilet or drinking-water stop is identified on the route. Treat it as a self-supported full day. Dogs are allowed under Scotland’s normal access rights, but keep them under close control around livestock and wildlife.

The broad climb up Monega Hill eases near the top; leave the track for the summit beside the cliff edge. From here, follow the ridge west, rejoin the track near Little Glas Maol, then turn northwest for Glas Maol’s trig point and large shelter cairn at 1,068 m. In clear weather, the Cairngorms and nearby Cairnwell hills fill the view. The eastern edge of Monega Hill gives the route’s defining outlook into Caenlochan Glen: include the dark crags with the valley below to show the scale.

From Glas Maol, head southwest along the county-boundary wall. Near the bealach of Bathach Beag, a small stone shelter has a turf roof and a bench inside. Continue over Cul Riabhach, then follow the stony ridge to Creag Leacach’s 987 m summit and its 943 m southwest top. This is open high ground with rough, rocky patches; the wall and ridge help keep the line clear when visibility is good.

After the southwest top, descend through heather on the east side of the wall and rise toward Càrn Ait. A fence line leads toward Mallrenheskein and the low point at Easter Glacanbuidhe. The climb across Black Hill is the boggiest stretch: peat hags break up the ground, and the old fence is a useful guide. Pass the old gateway, descend east-southeast and then southeast to Glack of Glengairney, and climb Monamenach. The direct final ascent can feel punishing after the miles behind you, but the 807 m summit opens broad views. Drop southeast to the track and follow Glack Burn back to Auchavan.

The route uses part of the Monega Pass, one of the old Mounth Roads across the high plateau. Drovers likely used this high crossing, and old accounts say smugglers did too. Queen Victoria crossed it in 1861, when it was known as the Month Eigie Road. The ridge also crosses the old county-boundary country where Angus, Perth and Kinross, and Aberdeenshire meet.