Beinn Leoid and Meallan a' Chuail from the A838

Beinn Leoid is a rather neglected Corbett, being remote and hidden from roads. This route combines it with the fine Graham Meallan a' Chuail using an excellent stalkers' path for the approach. Baggers could easily extend the route to take in the additional but undistinguished Graham of Meall an Fheur Loch.

Terrain

Excellent stalkers path initially, then pathless ridges and short rough stretch on return.

Public Transport

Very infrequent service passes along A838.

Start

A838 between Merkland and Kinloch. Map and directions.

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 Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 15.5km / 9.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 941m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NC358333

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Beinn Leoid
Graham: Meallan a' Chuail

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a small parking area at the back of a passing place on the A838 at NC358333 - there is room for 2-3 cars without impeding the passing space. The walk begins a short distance west along the road, where a stalkers path heads south to cross a footbridge and begin ascending the slopes near the Alltanan an Doire Dhuibh. The path is very well maintained and ascends the slope via a series of zig-zags, giving good views back down into the glen.

Stage 2

At around 450m the path begins to level off. Baggers could detour from here to take in an additional Graham - the rather undistinguished Meall an Fheur Loch to the southeast- before returning to this point. For the main route, continue on the stalkers' path that now leads WSW across a boggy area - though mostly firm on the path - to reach the broad bealach between Meall na Leitreach and Meallan a' Chuail. Both the latter and Beinn Leoid are now seen in the view. As the path peters out, head south along the very wide and ill-defined ridge towards Meallan a' Chuail.

Stage 3

After an initial moorland section the ascent continues with three steeper sections interspersed with flatter shoulders. There are good views down the steeper slopes to the east over several lochans towards Ben Klibreck and its lower neighbours.

Stage 4

Eventually the summit is reached, marked by a cairn situated right on the edge of the eastern crags. It is an excellent viewpoint. The dramatic peaks of the far North are well seen, whilst to the southeast there is a view right along the considerable length of Loch Shin.

Stage 5

The descend leads very slightly south of west down to the bealach - the Drochaid Beinn Leoid. The initial stony sections can be largely avoided to the left side before grassy slopes lead down to the bealach.

Stage 6

The ascent towards Beinn Leoid is longer and more gradual, with a well-built cairn just over a third of the way up.

Stage 7

The summit is marked by a trig point in a small windshelter cairn. Ben More Assynt and Conival dominate the view to the south.

Stage 8

Begin the descent by returning to the bealach. The reascent of Meallan a' Chuail can be avoided by following a grassy stalkers' path which descends to pass the east side of Loch Dubh. After the loch leave this path to cross rough ground, contouring the boggy moorland slopes to rejoin the outward route at the foot of the north ridge of Meallan a' Chuail. From here retrace your steps back to the intial stalkers' path which gives a very pleasant descent route back to the start.

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