Strathconon is the longest Strath in Scotland, at 20 miles, and is accessible by a well maintained single track road, initially the Glen lies in open countryside then gradually evolves into dramatic mountain scenery.
As you travel along the the road you are able to soak up the peaceful atmosphere and the sense of wildness the Strath still holds onto. There are small settlements along the road towards Scardroy, the furthest point by which is accessible by car.
Loch Meig is a narrow loch which was formed by the damming of areas during the Hydro-Electric Power Scheme development in the 1950’s. It lies at an elevation of 279 ft above sea level, is approximately 1.9 miles in length and at its widest point, 360 yards and has a total area of 116 acres.
Loch Meig is fairly shallow, apart from where the dam is, and now covers the valley floor of which the River Meig flowed.
The surrounding landscape is good walking country, with well signposted tracks, which also set out the times of the the stalking season. Indeed if you are feeling energetic, you can walk or cycle from Scardroy up the old drover’s road to Achnasheen.
Depending on your point of view, it’s either fortunate or not that Strathconon rarely comes up on the radar screen of Scotland’s hillwalkers although three fine Corbetts are accessible from the long and winding glen.
Red and Sika deer can be seen on the hills whilst there are many different bird species to be spied through your bins! In the area are peregrine falcon, red kite, golden eagle, green woodpecker, siskins and treecreepers. Cuckoos are, of course, heard but rarely seen!
