Cnoc Fyrish

We had the opportunity for a walk and having driven passed Cnoc Fyrish and being intrigued by the monument, that was our target today. We dropped one car off to have some work done and took Ellie, who is proving very convenient for day trips hill walking. We arrived at the car park shortly before lunch and it was already very busy, not surprising but a little unnerving. We had lunch first before off. It was a dull day with low cloud, but it was warm and humid, which led to a rather moist ascent.

We met so many people coming in the opposite direction, I felt over-dressed and over-prepared with my walking kit and day pack. Ho hum. We toiled uphill until we reached the top, where we wandered around the monument a bit until the clouds briefly cleared to reveal views over the Cromarty Firth. The monument was built in 1783 by Sir Hector Munro - the local laird. He had been commander of British Forces in India, and defeated the Dutch at the Battle of Negapatam. On his return to the Highlands the Clearances were underway and many people were starving. After the fashion of the time famine relief was provided only in return for work - it being feared that feeding the starving would make them lazy - and the construction of the monument was one of the tasks given to the local destitute. It is a replica of the gates of Negapatam, to enhance Munro's glory.

Not the prettiest, most inspiring start to a walk

Like walking on marbles

There were no midgies but the big buzzy flies were somewhat irritating, so we didn't hang around long before heading back downhill, taking a slight diversion to avoid the crowds. By the time we returned to the car park, the car was ready for collection.

Roughly 6.34 km and 291 m total ascent