Dornie, River Glennan and Carr Brae circuit

Summary

Linking up a series of neglected historical paths, this circuit from Dornie offers solitude even at the busiest times, wild landscapes and some superb views.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

A mixture of minor road, rough tracks, old hill paths and open moorland. Some sections are indistinct and overgrown.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Dornie.

Public Transport

Citilink bus service to Dornie and Eilean Donan castle.

Start Grid Ref

NG884265

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 18.5km / 11.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 778m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

Start from the centre of Dornie where there is a small car park. Walk north along the minor road alongside Loch Long, passing the Post Office and the hamlets of Carndu and Bundalloch.

Stage 2

At the end of the road, cross the bridge over the River Glennan and then turn immediately right up a track beside the river. Go through a farm gate and continue until just past a sheepfold, then leave the track track and take a path that runs up the glen alongside the river.

Stage 3

Higher up, where the hillsides become steeper you need to cross and recross the river to avoid steep sections of river bank - this could make the route difficult in spate. This section is somewhat overgrown with trees, and at one point a rock slide; it is still walkable but can be avoided after the first crossing by climbing above the south bank to traverse above the steeper wooded section, returning to the riverside when the ground becomes less steep.

Stage 4

The path now becomes clearer again, above the north side of the burn. Near the head of the valley, the river becomes a mere trickle through a picturesque green sward. As the path climbs beyond there are lovely views back down the glen to Loch Long.

Stage 5

Continue up the slope on the left side of the stream and follow a somewhat boggy path across the plateau and slightly downhill until you can see the settlement of Camas-luinie below. This is the crossroads of three (now fairly indistinct footpaths) historically important routes across the moor. The main path descending your left towards Glen Elchaig is clear, but the path you are looking for is not at first - turn right, crossing moorland and aiming for a gate in the deer fence. The path becomes better defined as the gate is approached.

Stage 6

The path now runs by the fence for a while before passing through a gate. It becomes indistinct - keep to the right of the burn on the gradual ascent towards the pass. Near the top it passes through another gate. Continue on the path as it descends to the left of another burn, joining a grassy track for a time. Continue right down until reaching the remains of buildings in the broader valley below.

Stage 7

Follow the right hand bank of the An Leth-allt river, soon reaching the rough track which will take you all the way down to the road passing many waterfalls on route. As you near the road, the track bends to the right and passes below a barn and through a gate to the road.

Stage 8

Turn right and follow this delightful minor road via Carr Brae (it was once the main route) back towards Dornie. At the highest point there's a pedestrian gate on the left - a short detour through here leads over one bump and out onto another, with truly stunning views up and down the loch. Back on the road, there are views down to Eilean Donan castle as the road descends back to the start.

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