Morvich to Maol-bhuidhe

Summary

This is a beautiful stage of the Cape Wrath Trail, with generally good conditions underfoot and few real navigational challenges. From Morvich the route follows a popular path to the dramatic Falls of Glomach before an airy, very steep and scrambly descent, before heading up Glen Elchaig and a hill crossing to end at the exceptionally remote Maol-bhuidhe bothy. There is no road access and it is assumed walkers will stay in the bothy or wild-camp.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Clear, firm footpaths in the main, but occasional rough, boggy footpaths and pathless terrain. Descent by the Falls of Glomach is on a precarious, exposed path with minor scrambling. There are burn and river crossings which may become impassable in spate.

Public Transport

Bus to Morvich; no road access to end of stage.

Start

Morvich. Open in Google Maps.

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.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 22.5km / 14 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6.5 - 7 hours
Ascent: 1113m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG966210

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

From Morvich campsite continue east along the minor road - passing the Kintail Ranger Service buildings including an outdoor centre - and bear left to cross the bridge and reach the scattered houses of Innis a' Chrotha. Turn right as directed, go through the gate and follow the good path into Strath Croe. The path is pleasant and easy, but watch for a branch heading left after 1.5km to cross a bridge over the Abhainn Chonaig.

Stage 2

Turn left then right to emerge at a wide forest track and turn right to cross a clearing passed a ruinous building. There is sporadic signposting for the Falls of Glomach, but it would be wise to pay close attention to the map as the network of forest tracks is negotiated.

Stage 3

Just before leaving the forest cross a final bridge before heading steeply uphill to the Bealach na Sroine along a clear but narrow path. Reaching the bealach the tree-less Inverinate Forest is surprisingly bleak and atmospheric before the path descends to the top of the Falls of Glomach.

Stage 4

A well-worn track drops down behind a warning sign to a viewing area above the 113m waterfall - one of the highest in the UK. Return to the sign and follow a much fainter path northwest which remains at the 350m contour for a short distance before beginning an often hair-raising descent along the Allt a' Ghlomaich - take particular care here as a slip could have serious consequences. There's one potentially tricky ford to negotiate along the way too. Cross the Allt a' Ghlomaich a final time via a footbridge before then crossing the River Elchaig via a double footbridge and reaching the estate track in Glen Elchaig.

Stage 5

Turn right and proceed along the wide vehicle track beside Loch na Leitreach, pass the buildings at Carnach and continue onwards to the track junction above Iron Lodge. Branch left here, then shortly left again, and begin the long pull uphill above An Crom-allt.

Stage 6

At the top of the climb the path along the Allt na Sean-luibe is boggy but clear, and eventually drops down to the remote Maol-bhuidhe bothy, idyllically located overlooking Loch Cruoshie. Cross the river to reach the bothy.

Stage 7

There is no road access or any facilities here apart from the bothy - a very basic open shelter maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association. Please help by carrying out any rubbish you find here, and always follow the bothy code when visiting. It is possible for strong walkers to continue and complete part of the next stage, perhaps staying instead at Bendronaig Bothy.