Coille Toll a' Chaorachain

Downs, Moorland in Ross-shire

Scotland

Coille Toll a' Chaorachain

South-east ridge of Bidean an Eoin Deirg A view up the south-east ridge of Bidean an Eoin Deirg. It is not a separate Munro, but is a Munro top (3428 feet / 1045 metres). This fine long ridge rises in stages, leading all the way to the summit. There is a short scrambling section on the narrow, final part which requires some care but is not technically difficult in summer conditions (left of centre in top-half of image).
South-east ridge of Bidean an Eoin Deirg Credit: Andrew McMahon

Coille Toll a' Chaorachain is a stunning natural area located in Ross-shire, Scotland. Nestled in the heart of the Highlands, this picturesque landscape is renowned for its beautiful downs and moorland.

Covering an expansive area, Coille Toll a' Chaorachain is a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts alike. The downs, characterized by low hills and gentle slopes, provide a captivating vista of rolling green fields and heather-covered landscapes. This unique terrain is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including rare birds, hares, and deer.

The moorland, on the other hand, offers a more rugged and untamed experience. Here, visitors can explore vast expanses of open spaces, dotted with tufts of grass and heather. The moorland is also famous for its peat bogs, which create a distinct and otherworldly atmosphere. These bogs play an essential role in biodiversity, supporting a range of unique plant life, including carnivorous plants such as sundews.

Coille Toll a' Chaorachain is a paradise for outdoor activities, attracting hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers from far and wide. The area is crisscrossed with numerous walking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery. The tranquil ambiance and unspoiled nature make it an ideal destination for those seeking solace and tranquility in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Overall, Coille Toll a' Chaorachain is a remarkable natural landscape that showcases the diversity and beauty of Scotland's downs and moorland. Its rich biodiversity, stunning views, and myriad of recreational opportunities make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Coille Toll a' Chaorachain Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.440451/-5.1795221 or Grid Reference NH0943. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

South-east ridge of Bidean an Eoin Deirg A view up the south-east ridge of Bidean an Eoin Deirg. It is not a separate Munro, but is a Munro top (3428 feet / 1045 metres). This fine long ridge rises in stages, leading all the way to the summit. There is a short scrambling section on the narrow, final part which requires some care but is not technically difficult in summer conditions (left of centre in top-half of image).
South-east ridge of Bidean an Eoin Deirg
A view up the south-east ridge of Bidean an Eoin Deirg. It is not a separate Munro, but is a Munro top (3428 feet / 1045 metres). This fine long ridge rises in stages, leading all the way to the summit. There is a short scrambling section on the narrow, final part which requires some care but is not technically difficult in summer conditions (left of centre in top-half of image).
Nice Bridge on the North side of Loch Monar
Nice Bridge on the North side of Loch Monar
Approaching Sgurr na Conbhaire Sgurr na Conbhaire is a 902m hill, south of Munro Sgurr Choinnich along this gentle ridge, and overlooking the west end of Loch Monar.

In the distance  (and cloud!) on the right is Lurg Mhor, one of the remoter Munros.
Approaching Sgurr na Conbhaire
Sgurr na Conbhaire is a 902m hill, south of Munro Sgurr Choinnich along this gentle ridge, and overlooking the west end of Loch Monar. In the distance (and cloud!) on the right is Lurg Mhor, one of the remoter Munros.
The south-east ridge of Sgurr na Conbhaire, from the summit Looking towards the upper (western) end of Loch Monar, which seems quite low for early spring.
The south-east ridge of Sgurr na Conbhaire, from the summit
Looking towards the upper (western) end of Loch Monar, which seems quite low for early spring.
View west from Bidean an Eòinn Deirg Towards Sgùrr a' Chaorachain.
View west from Bidean an Eòinn Deirg
Towards Sgùrr a' Chaorachain.
View along ridge to Bidean an Eoin Deirg
View along ridge to Bidean an Eoin Deirg
View west along the ridge from the summit of Bidean an Eoin Dearg
View west along the ridge from the summit of Bidean an Eoin Dearg
Bidean an Eòin  Deirg A landmark peak in a remote area between Gleann Fhiodhaig and Strathmore. The eastern ridge is actually quite easy and has the merit of finishing with a scramble to the foot of the summit cairn.
Bidean an Eòin Deirg
A landmark peak in a remote area between Gleann Fhiodhaig and Strathmore. The eastern ridge is actually quite easy and has the merit of finishing with a scramble to the foot of the summit cairn.
Bidean an Eòin Dearg
Bidean an Eòin Dearg
Bidean an Eòin Deirg A Strathmore icon, well it would be if anyone still lived in the glen.  A graceful peak with a very fine ridge.
Bidean an Eòin Deirg
A Strathmore icon, well it would be if anyone still lived in the glen. A graceful peak with a very fine ridge.
Bidean an Eòin Deirg Bidean an Eòin Deirg dominates Loch Monar, and the flooded Strathmore. The clump of trees beneath the peak are just above the site of Strathmore Lodge, destroyed by the enlarged loch. An account of life here can be found in Iain R. Thompson's book Isolation Shepherd. 
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://birlinn.birlinn.co.uk/book/details/Isolation-Shepherd-9781841586151/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://birlinn.birlinn.co.uk/book/details/Isolation-Shepherd-9781841586151/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Bidean an Eòin Deirg
Bidean an Eòin Deirg dominates Loch Monar, and the flooded Strathmore. The clump of trees beneath the peak are just above the site of Strathmore Lodge, destroyed by the enlarged loch. An account of life here can be found in Iain R. Thompson's book Isolation Shepherd. LinkExternal link
Brocken Spectre from the Peak of the Red Bird Late afternoon on a day of heavy rain, the clouds briefly parted just as we arrived on Bidean an Eoin Deirg to reveal this phenomenon - a common sight to hillgoers. Looking north east towards Maoile Lunndaidh.
Not as a girl at my work said 'I've seen a Brock Inspector'!
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.atoptics.co.uk/droplets/globrock.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.atoptics.co.uk/droplets/globrock.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Brocken Spectre from the Peak of the Red Bird
Late afternoon on a day of heavy rain, the clouds briefly parted just as we arrived on Bidean an Eoin Deirg to reveal this phenomenon - a common sight to hillgoers. Looking north east towards Maoile Lunndaidh. Not as a girl at my work said 'I've seen a Brock Inspector'! LinkExternal link
Sgurr a'Chaorachain from Bidein an Eoin Dearg West from Bidein an Eoin Dearg
Sgurr a'Chaorachain from Bidein an Eoin Dearg
West from Bidein an Eoin Dearg
Ridge to Sgùrr a' Chaorachain From Bidean an Eòin Deirg. Luckily Bidean an Eòin Deirg is seven metres shorter than Sgùrr a' Chaorachain so is not classed as a Munro. This means that it is much less frequently climbed and there is no path along the ridge, giving the Ptarmigans some peace.
Ridge to Sgùrr a' Chaorachain
From Bidean an Eòin Deirg. Luckily Bidean an Eòin Deirg is seven metres shorter than Sgùrr a' Chaorachain so is not classed as a Munro. This means that it is much less frequently climbed and there is no path along the ridge, giving the Ptarmigans some peace.
The east ridge of Bidean an Eòinn Deirg From the summit.  The ridge continues as Meall a' Chreagain Duibh, in the sunlight, with Loch Mhuilich somewhat hidden behind it. In the far distance is the dam end of Loch Monar.
The east ridge of Bidean an Eòinn Deirg
From the summit. The ridge continues as Meall a' Chreagain Duibh, in the sunlight, with Loch Mhuilich somewhat hidden behind it. In the far distance is the dam end of Loch Monar.
The west ridge of Bidean an Eòinn Deirg With Sgurr na Conbhaire across the coire.  The prominent peak on the horizon is Bidein a'Choire Sheasgaich.
The west ridge of Bidean an Eòinn Deirg
With Sgurr na Conbhaire across the coire. The prominent peak on the horizon is Bidein a'Choire Sheasgaich.
The old sheep fanks Situated below Coire Shallie.
The old sheep fanks
Situated below Coire Shallie.
Sgurr na Conbhaire Sgurr na Conbhaire from the side of Loch Monar
Sgurr na Conbhaire
Sgurr na Conbhaire from the side of Loch Monar
Show me another place!

Coille Toll a' Chaorachain is located at Grid Ref: NH0943 (Lat: 57.440451, Lng: -5.1795221)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///extent.scales.hammer. Near Achnasheen, Highland

Nearby Locations

Coille Toll a' Chaorachain

Related Wikis

Sgurr a' Chaorachain (Munro)

Sgurr a' Chaorachain (Scottish Gaelic: Sgùrr a' Chaorthachain) is a mountain with a height of 1,053 metres (3,455 ft) in the Northwest Highlands, Scotland...

Sgùrr Choinnich

Sgùrr Choinnich is a mountain with a height of 999 metres (3,278 ft) in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. Classed as a Munro, it is in the Achnashellach...

Lurg Mhòr

Lurg Mhòr is a remote 986-metre (3,235 ft) mountain, a Munro, in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland at the high point of an east–west range of hills comprising...

Sgùrr na Feartaig

Sgurr na Feartaig (863 m) is a mountain in the Northwest Highlands, Scotland. It is located northeast of Strathcarron in Wester Ross. The mountain takes...

Have you been to Coille Toll a' Chaorachain?

Leave your review of Coille Toll a' Chaorachain below (or comments, questions and feedback).