Calpa Mor

Rising above the Spey valley near Newtonmore, this substantial Monadhliath summit offers a quieter alternative to the nearby Munros. Its broad, heathery slopes provide an expansive sense of isolation, typical of the high plateau terrain. The ground is often peat-heavy, demanding good navigation and a sturdy pair of boots.

• •The name derives from the Gaelic 'Calpa Mòr', which translates as the 'great calf'; in a landscape context, 'calpa' refers to a well-fleshed or sturdy ridge, an apt description for this bulky mass of high ground.
• •From the summit, walkers are rewarded with a clear perspective of the western Cairngorms across the Strathspey, specifically the dramatic crags of Sgoran Dubh Mòr and the vast plateau of the Moine Mhòr.
• •The hill is frequently bypassed by those heading for the higher Munros of A' Chailleach and Carn Sgulain, making it a peaceful spot to spot mountain hares, which are numerous in these heathery margins.
• •If you manage to locate the summit cairn without sinking into a peat hag, you have likely either waited for a hard winter frost or developed an unusually keen eye for stable ground.