Coulin Pass - Achnashellach to Torridon
GLEN CARRON: LOCHCARRON TO ACHNAHSHEEN
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1. If driving, park at the layby on the A890 opposite the telephone box and the private road to Achnashellach station. From here walk up the road to the station, turning right after the outbuildings. Cross the railway line with care and proceed up the track a short way until you reach a crossroads. Here turn left slightly back on yourself and continue on a forestry track, passing through a gate and into thinning trees. Ahead there is a good view of the prow of Fuar Tholl, at 907 metres, just missing out on Munro status. If taking the shorter and less spectacular, Coulin Pass route, go straight ahead at the cross roads following the forestry track marked Coulin Road. Follow this track until a gate leads onto open ground and the track leads over the pass and down to the stonebridge over the River Coulin and rejoins the described route.
2. After a short distance take a path to the left marked with a cairn and signed for Torridon. The path heads towards the River Lair, passing through a gate with an ingenious dog stile, and through a mixture of gorse, broom, birch and single pine trees. The path begins to climb revealing fuller views of Fuar Tholl to the left and passing the Achnashellach Estate deer stalking information sign. The stalking season here is 15 September to 20 October during which walkers should keep to the paths or phone the estate for further information.
3. Follow the stony path as it winds uphill, ignoring a smaller path to the left. The ground becomes much barer as the path climbs above the last single pines. After the gradient eases off, the first main path to the left is passed. Marked with a cairn this route leads to the bealach between Fuar Tholl and Sgorr Ruadh. Ignore this turning and continue straight on with Beinn Liath Mhor looming ahead. Soon a second, larger cairn is reached on the right. This marks the path up into Coire Lair. Stay right here as the path climbs again. Ignore a third path to the left and soon begin the descent with open views ahead.
4. The path is clear as it cuts through the heather and crosses a couple of streams. Soon it runs parallel to the pretty mixed woodland on the other side of the river. A wooden bridge allows you to cross another stream with an impressive waterfall just before you reach the bothy at Easan Dorcha. The “teahouse” is now maintained by the Mountain Bothy Association and makes a ideal lunch spot. From here a track leads down to the stone bridge over the River Coulin about 2 kilometres further on.
5. There are fantastic views of Beinn Eighe to the north. The flat track follows the River Coulin for a kilometre before curving left and entering a plantation and heading towards the house at Coulin. Just before the house turn right at a T junction following the footpath sign. Continue on the track as it crosses a large wooden bridge and loops around before climbing past a single house on the right. Soon after the house the track crosses a small wooden bridge. Immediately after this, take the faint path to the left which is signed.
6. The narrow stony path heads through heather towards the shores of Loch Coulin. There are some boggy sections on this part of the path which initially skirts the edge of the loch and then undulates over heathery ground before passing through a gate. Follow the path, with woodland to the right and the loch to the left until it rises up to meet a track from the right. Turn left onto the track and follow it along side the stretch of water between the two lochs until you reach a gate.
7. Go through the gate and straight ahead on the road, ignoring the bridge leading to Coulin Lodge. The minor road clings to the side of Loch Clair and gives great views of Sgurr Dubh straight across and Liathach behind. Beinn Eighe remains a looming presence to the north. The road eventually curves away from the Loch and crosses a bridge before rising to meet the A896, the main Torridon road at NH002581, where there is a small parking layby.
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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 Breakfast
Self catering cottages in Glen Carron: Loch Carron to Achnasheen
Torridon & Gairloch hostels
Campsites in Torridon and Gairloch region
