Circuit of Maol Chean-dearg
GLEN CARRON: LOCHCARRON TO ACHNAHSHEEN
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1. There is a parking area on the north side of the A890 road just west of the bridge at Coulags. Cross the bridge and go through the gate on the left signed for Glen Torridon. Follow the track until just before the house where you turn left down some steps to the river side. The well constructed path crosses open moorland as it follows the glen on the east side of the Fionn-abhainn. The river is soon crossed on a wooden bridge and the path continues on the other side passing a memorial on a stone a little further on.
2. Soon a building comes into view, a bothy maintained by the Mountain Bothy Association which is available outside the stalking season. A little further on a large stone, the Clach nan Con-fionn, is passed. Looking a bit like a Henry Moore sculpture, legend has it that the stone was used by the giant, Fionn to tether his hunting dogs. 400 metres further on, a small cairn marks a stony path on the left that you take to zig zag up to the bealach or col.
3. From the bealach continue straight ahead and descend down the other side a few metres to meet a path coming up from the right. Directly in front of you there are impressive views of the stone slabs of An Ruadh-stac, at 892 metres classed as a Corbett. Follow the path to the right as it descends in a north-westerly direction and passes Loch Coire an Ruadh-stac. Ahead is a fine view of Beinn Damh.
4. The stony path continues its gradual descend and begins to curve to the right as it traverses the lower slopes of the north face of Maol Chean-dearg. In clear weather there is a good view of Liathach to the north. The path passes the north shore of Loch an Eion which has a couple of small sandy stretches that make good picnic spots. From here the path crosses the outflow stream on stepping stones. Soon afterwards a small cairn marks the point where the route turns sharp right to head around the east side of the Loch.
5. The path is clear to follow as it skirts the Loch and begins the ascent to the Bealach na Lice. Here there are good views down the glen and also up the slopes of Maol Chean-dearg. Continue on the path as it traverses the side of Meall Dearg. Avoid the temptation to cut down to the path below. After a couple of minutes the junction with the stalkers path coming up the glen is reached, turn right onto it and follow its meandering route down to Loch Coire Fionn-abhainn.
6. This small Loch is a haven for birds like dippers, stone chats and wheatears - it is also popular with midges at certain times of year so come prepared! The path follows the west shore of the Loch. Soon after crossing the lip of the shelf the Loch lies on, the path descends and reaches the point where the path to Maol Chean-dearg leaves to the right. From here retrace the outward route along the glen, passing the bothy and arriving back at the A890 at Coulags. As you approach the house at Coulags remember to take the right hand turn off down to the river, as the left path leads to the other houses at Coulags further along the road.
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Route profile
Accommodation links for this area:
Hotels in Glen Carron: Loch Carron to Achnasheen
Glen Carron: Loch Carron to Achnasheen Bed and Breakfasts
Self catering cottages in Glen Carron: Loch Carron to Achnasheen
Torridon & Gairloch hostels
Campsites in Torridon and Gairloch region
