Diabaig to Craig

TORRIDON, SHIELDAIG AND KINLOCHEWE


Summary :	This is the first part of the wild walk along the coast from Diabaig to Red Point (at the end of a minor road from Gairloch). Times are given for the return walk to Craig from Diabaig.
Terrain :	Excellent footpath throughout; the path crosses many flat slabs of rock in places.
Grade :		Distance :	8km/5 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	2.5 - 3.5 hours
Start :	On left side just before end of road heading west from Diabaig	Grid ref :	NG790605
Map :	View an OS map of the route Buy Explorer 433 - Torridon online	Ascent :	300m
GPS Route/ Waypoints :	Open this walk in QUO 2 Tell me more Open this walk in GPX format (compatible with Memory map etc)	Open in Virtual Highlands Tell me more Open this walk in Google Earth Tell me more
Pronunciation and meaning :	Press play button to listen Tell me more
Public Transport :	Postbus to Diabaig[Click for timetables - choose Area 5]

1. The road to Diabaig crosses a dramatic pass; as it descends into the village it turns sharp left. Turn right here and follow the road uphill; there is room to park on the left just before the end of the road. The views across Diabaig Bay are superb.

2. The path begins on the right hand side of the road, signposted 'Public Footpath to Gairloch via Craig'. Go through the gate, and then a second gate to go through the deer fence beyond. The path from here has been restored in recent years by the Footpath Trust and is a now joy to walk. It gains just a little height, and the views both back to Diabaig and ahead to the striking beaches at Red Point are stunning. Continue on the path, passing several cairns and crossing flat slabs of rock at times.

3. The path keeps well above the sea for its entire length, and crosses a stone slab footbridge. After three and a half kilometres it reaches a small lochan (Lochan Dubh). The descent to Craig begins just beyond the lochan; the bothy can soon be seen nestled in its picturesque valley, the many birch trees and patch of pines contrasting with the empty moor you've crossed to reach it.

4. Craig was for many years one of Britain's most remote Youth Hostels. It closed a few years back and has now been adopted as a bothy, maintained by volunteers of the MBA. Please help care for it by carrying out all your rubbish and helping to keep it clean. The walk can be continued from Craig to Red Point, which is a very long way by road from Diabaig. Otherwise, return by the same route.

5. Before returning, it is worth visiting Craig's pebbly beach. Standing at the front of the bothy facing the sea, take the path which keeps right of the boggy area and climbs to the hummocky higher ground ahead (don't turn right which leads to the bridge and Red Point path). The path avoids the worst bogs by keeping to the hummocks, passing down through the birchwoods to reach the stony beach. This is a truly beautiful spot, with views out to the islands of Raasay, Rona and the Trotternish peninsula of Skye; watch out for dolphins and porpoises before heading back to the bothy.

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Route profile

Accommodation links for this area:
Hotels in Torridon: Shieldaig to Kinlochewe
Torridon: Shieldaig to Kinlochewe Bed and Breakfasts
Self catering cottages in Torridon: Shieldaig to Kinlochewe
Torridon & Gairloch hostels
Campsites in Torridon and Gairloch region