Culnacraig circular

Summary

This easy circuit near the end of the Achilitibuie road offers stunning views of the mountains as well as the Summer Isles. Using the footpath between the two tiny crofting settlements of Achduart and Culnacraig it returns via the road.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Quiet minor roads and mostly clear path

Getting there

Start

Car park above Achininver Hostel.

Public Transport

None to start. Nearest bus is Badenscallie (Bus 811 from Ullapool) approx 1km back towards Achilitibuie.

Start Grid Ref

NC044059

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7.75km / 4.75 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 110m (Profile)

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Explorer 439 - Coigach

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

There is a small parking area on the coastal side of the road signed for Achininver Hostel; this is a good place to begin the walk. If full, there is further parking along the route about four hundred metres along the Achduart road (don't block passing places). Begin the walk by heading south along the road passing a pretty cottage. When it forks, take the right hand branch with its stone walkers sign for Achduart. Follow this even quieter road, ignoring a track off to the right (signed for hostel) and enjoying the stunning views ahead across the water towards Beinn Ghobhlach and An Teallach, as well as to the Summer Isles further right.

Stage 2

The road passes some finely located houses at Achnacarinan, crosses a burn and climbs slightly on the approach to Achduart. When the road forks, keep left slightly uphill, after the house entrance keep ahead on a path that runs just to the left of a fence. When it reaches a walkers gate go through this to continue to the left of the crofts soon passing an information board. Go through another gate and pass behind the last house. Cross more open ground and go through a metal gate in a deer fence.

Stage 3

The path now follows a grassy raised bank and begins to descend gently. The great cone-shaped Garbh Coireachan ridge of Ben More Coigach on the left dominates the view up the sea loch. Continue to reach a wooden footbridge and head uphill aiming slightly right after this to reach a signed path junction. Turn left here; the right hand path heads eventually to Strathcanaird and Ullapool but is very rough and challenging; from the 1860s the walking postman used to make the return journey along this path twice a week to fetch mail. Tarmac roads didn't reach Achilitibuie until the 1960s.

Stage 4

The path soon leads up to a track; continue ahead, passing through a gate and below the first house of Culnacraig. Continue up the track with grazing land on your right and through another gate to soon reach the end of the tarmac road. Turn left here to follow the road, climbing up and leaving behind the green oasis of Culnacraig.

Stage 5

The road passes beneath the stark rocky cone of Conmheall, high up to the right. Go straight ahead at the road junction past earlier to head back to the start.

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