Monega Pass

Monega Pass is a 14 km (9 mi) point-to-point walk from the end of the public road at Auchavan in Glen Isla to the Cairnwell Burn footbridge beside the A93. It climbs about 650 m and takes around five hours. This is a demanding high route, not the longer Monega Hill and Glas Maol summit circuit. Plan your pickup or second car before setting off; there is no loop back to Auchavan.

Follow the track up the glen past Tulchan Lodge and along the river. The public right of way continues beyond the lodge gate. The route then leaves the valley floor and climbs steeply up Monega Hill's nose. The angle eases near Little Glas Maol before the crossing runs along Glas Maol's eastern flank, below its summit.

The high ground is open and exposed. Beyond the old county boundary, the visible path becomes unreliable, and mist can make the line hard to pick out; you need to be confident with a compass and mountain navigation. The route reaches just over 1,000 m, and snow can cover the track for months in winter. An old stone boundary marker stands near the meeting point of Angus, Perth and Kinross, and Aberdeenshire. From the pass top, look into Caenlochan Glen; including the ridge in the foreground shows how high the route crosses.

The route angles toward Sron na Gaoithe and descends over steep, rough ground, with a rocky nose and faint tread in places. Cross the burns near the bottom and use the footbridge to reach the finish by the A93. Allow time for the descent and keep your bearings as you leave the plateau.

Parking near the Auchavan road end is limited; keep the turning area clear for local vehicles. There is a car park by the Cairnwell Burn footbridge at the north end. Arrange a lift or leave a vehicle at each end. No food, toilets or water stop was verified along the route, so carry what you need. Dogs are allowed under Scotland's responsible access rules; keep them under proper control near livestock and wildlife.