MANAGED by Scottish Natural Heritage, the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve was the first in Britain when it was established in 1951.
There are a number of waymarked trails in the reserve. This is one of the more exhilarating, offering brilliant views of the ridges of Beinn Eighe itself as well as of Loch Maree and, on the other side, Slioch.
A booklet available from an informat
ion point in the car park is well worth picking up as it gives lots of details about the route and will help keep you on the right track.
The way up is steep as you leave Loch Maree and enter a Scots pine wood on the lower slopes. Increasingly, however, the views open out as you follow cairns indicating height and points of interest noted in the booklet.
Once the trees are behind you, you need to use your hands in places to get up the steep, rocky slope – it is not too difficult but can prove a challenge to those not used to scrambling. (Remember, if you feel it is beyond you – or if anyone with you feels that way – return to the car park and try another trail. The point of going up mountains is to enjoy yourself – a little fear and trepidation are fine but too much is dangerous.) Eventually, after much energy has been expended, you will reach the Conservation Cairn – the high point at 1,800ft. From here Beinn Eighe's intricate ridges can be seen in a fantastic panorama – this is a great place for a picnic in the heart of remote mountain country.
The descent begins across barren, rocky terrain, including Lunar Loch – named after the first moon landings of 1969 but presumably also because of the surrounding countryside as well.
A deep gorge is followed down, containing the waters of Allt na h-Airighe, which was passed right at the start.
After leaving the gorge and entering woodland, look out for a viewpoint to the right of a bench. There is the magnificent sight of Slioch rising above Loch Maree.
It is hard to get lost on this walk as it is so well laid out, but it should not be dismissed as a stroll – it is strenuous and some mild scrambling is necessary.
For the inexperienced hill walker it is a great introduction to the mountains and can make for a challenging half-day.
The conditions are rough and boots are needed, as are warm clothing and waterproofs.
Although the distance is short, you should take some water as it is hard going in places.
Distance 4 miles.
Height climbed 1,750ft.
Time 3 to 4 hours.
Map OS Landranger 19.
Park Along the A832 go about one and a half miles north of the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve visitor centre and turn right into the Glas Leitir car park. There is a limited bus service. Contact Traveline for details (
www.travelinescotland.com, 0871 200 2233).
Directions Follow a path under the main road and go left at a footbridge, following a mountain trail indicator. Climb steeply through Scots pines to a footbridge over Allt an Mhic Eoghainn. Cairns indicate Trumpet Rock and then 305m (or 1,000ft). Continue up to a cairn marked 'Heather' and bear right to a 460m marker (or 1,500ft).
On reaching the Conservation Cairn at the top of the trail, go right, past Loch Allt an Darnaich and then Lunar Loch.
Go left then down to the right under Meall a'Ghiubhais to follow a path above a steep gorge before veering left to woodland.
At a junction go left, then loop round to the right and go left again to return over the
footbridge to the car park.
RefreshmentsThe best place in the area is the Kinlochewe Hotel on the town's main street – the steak is highly recommended. Otherwise, head to Gairloch at the other end of Loch Maree, where you will find the wonderful Old Inn.
While you are in the area If you've had enough of mountains, try a spot of whale-watching (Gairloch Marine Life Centre and Cruises, 01445 712636,
www.porpoise-gairloch.co.uk).
The full article contains 701 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
