Carn na h-Easgainn

Rising gently above the A9 south of Inverness, this broad heather moorland Graham offers straightforward walking along well-maintained tracks. Its rounded profile belies a summit that serves as an exceptional vantage point, providing a clear window across the Moray Firth towards the distinctive massif of Ben Wyvis.

• •The name Carn na h-Easgainn translates from Gaelic as 'Cairn of the Eel.' While an unusual name for a mountain, 'easgann' was often used topographically to describe boggy, marshy ground or narrow drainage channels found on the lower slopes.
• •Its position on the northern fringe of the Monadhliath makes it a superb viewpoint; on a clear day, the Kessock Bridge and the city of Inverness are visible to the north, contrasted by the vast, rolling plateau of the Grampians to the south.
• •The hill is highly accessible via a wind farm track starting near the village of Moy, making it a popular choice for a short winter outing or a quick ascent for those travelling the main A9 corridor.
• •Standing at 617 metres, it is classified as both a Graham and a Marilyn. This prominence ensures that, despite its relatively modest elevation, it commands a 360-degree panorama that feels far more expansive than the map suggests.
• •The hill is a favourite for Inverness locals looking for a quick 'leg-stretch,' though the stretch often involves a tactical retreat if you stray from the gravel tracks into the surrounding, unforgiving peat hags.