Meall na Speireig

Meall na Speireig stands on the high moorland of the Fannaichs, a long ridge of red-grain sandstone that rises above the bogs and lochans of northern Scotland. It is one of the Graham Tops of Corbett, a recognised list of hills that are lower than the famous Munros but still hold their own on the map. The hill sits at the edge of the high plateau where the land tilts gently northwards towards the Cromarty Firth. The climb rewards walkers with wide views across the glens and lochs of the Highlands. On clear days the eye travels thirty kilometres or more, from the silver line of the Moray coast to the dark bulk of Ben Wyvis. The ridge itself is marked by a simple cairn, a small heap of stones left by those who have reached the top before. From the summit a narrow path descends the northern shoulder, crossing heather and deer grass before dropping into the shallow corrie of Loch a’ Choire. The return route follows the Allt na Speireig burn, its waters clear and fast over smooth rocks. The whole circuit is about twelve kilometres and takes most walkers four to five hours, depending on the wind.