Cnoc Mor

About Cnoc Mor

Rising above the Victorian spa town of Strathpeffer, this Marilyn is defined by dense woodland and an extensive network of forest tracks. While much of the ascent is sheltered by timber, the summit opens up to provide a commanding perspective over the Cromarty Firth and the bulky massif of Ben Wyvis.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is Scottish Gaelic for 'Big Hill'. While its absolute height is modest, its position as a prominent landmark overlooking the Peffery valley makes the title feel earned from the perspective of those in the strath below.
• •The summit plateau is home to the remains of an Iron Age vitrified fort. The defensive position was expertly chosen, offering an unobstructed tactical view of the lowlands leading toward the Beauly Firth.
• •The hill is frequently climbed as part of a longer circuit from the nearby Rogie Falls, following the Cat's Back ridge which provides some of the most consistent views in the area.
• •From the trig point, the view to the west reaches past the nearby Loch Achilty toward the rugged skylines of the Monar Forest and the distant, often snow-capped Fannichs.
• •Despite its status as a Marilyn, the dense forestry surrounding the peak means that for much of the climb, you are more likely to be counting sitka spruce than admiring distant horizons.