Mellon Udrigle beach circuit

GAIRLOCH AND POOLEWE


Summary :	This short walk explores the coastline to the north of the spectacular beach at Mellon Udrigle. Great views across the sea to Assynt, Coigach and the Summer Isles.
Terrain :	Most of the route is pathless across boggy ground.
Grade :		Distance :	5km/3 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	1 – 2 hours
Start :	Car park, Mellon Udrigle beach	Grid ref :	NG890959
Map :	View an OS map of the route Buy Explorer 434 – Gairloch online	Ascent :	107m
GPS Route/ Waypoints :	Open this walk in QUO 2 Tell me more Open this walk in GPX format (compatible with Memory map etc)	Open this walk in Google Earth Tell me more Open all walks in Google Earth Tell me more
Pronunciation and meaning :	Press play button to listen Tell me more
Public Transport :	None.[Click for timetables - choose Area 5]

1. Park at the car park in Mellon Udrigle. Follow the wooden walkway (built to protect the dunes) down to the spectacular Mellon Udrigle beach. More correctly known as Camas a'Charraig, the fine shell sands and beautiful outlook make this a spot to savour. Cross the shallow stream that flows out across the sand and leave the beach at its northern end, just to the right of the dry stone wall. There is a faint path at first which soon becomes a clearer grassy vehicle track.

2. Further on the main track bends right and a fainter one continues ahead up to the hilltop. Follow this latter track, no more than tyre marks in the grass, to reach the cairn on Meall Leac an Fhaobhair. This large cairn carries a wooden cross which is a memorial – the front reads 'Ceol na Mara' – Gaelic for music of the sea – whilst the back remembers RFB, 1928 – 2001. The view, across the sea to the Summer Isles with the mountains of Coigach and Assynt beyond, is superb.

3. Head northwest and keep close to the coast, with Loch Dubh Geodhachan Tharailt on your left. There are only sheep tracks through the heather to follow underfoot which makes for rough going as you continue along the coast towards Rubha Beag. You can short cut the furthest point of the peninsula and rejoin the coast a little further west, gaining a little height above the sea.

4. Descend towards the Allt Loch a Choire; as you reach some ruined crofts by the sea you should spot a path going off left, almost doubling back on yourself. This path soon becomes a rutted track and gives a simple walk back to Mellon Udrigle.

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Route profile

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