Coulin Pass - Achnashellach to Torridon

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This excellent linear walk starts at Achnashellach Station and follows the River Làir with good views of Fuar Tholl, Sgòrr Ruadh and Beinn Liath Mhòr before descending to a pretty waterfall and Scots pines at Easan Dorcha. A level section leads to Loch Coulin with great views of Beinn Eighe and then skirts Loch Clair with views of Liathach to reach the main road through Torridon - quite a short cut from the road route! This route can be shortened by taking the forestry track and Coulin Pass variation, which is the traditional route though less scenic.

Terrain

Well constructed paths, tracks and minor roads with only short boggy sections near Loch Coulin. Uphill section over the pass and then easy going.

Public Transport

Train or bus to Achnashellach.

Start

Achnashellach Station. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

If driving, park at the layby on the A890 opposite the telephone box and the private road to Achnashellach station. From here walk up the road to the station, turning right after the outbuildings. Cross the railway line with care and proceed up the track a short way until you reach a crossroads. Here turn left slightly back on yourself and continue on a forestry track, passing through a gate and into thinning trees. Ahead there is a good view of the prow of Fuar Tholl, at 907 metres it just misses out on Munro status. If taking the shorter and less spectacular original Coulin Pass route, go straight ahead at the cross roads following the forestry track marked Coulin Road. Follow this track until a gate leads onto open ground and the track leads over the pass and down to the stonebridge over the River Coulin and rejoins the described route.

Stage 2

After a short distance take a path to the left marked with a very small cairn. If you miss the path and continue on the track into thicker trees turn back as the way ahead is blocked by a fence higher up. The path heads towards the River Làir, passing through a gate with an ingenious dog stile, and through a mixture of gorse, broom, birch and single pine trees. The path begins to climb revealing fuller views of Fuar Tholl to the left and passing the Achnashellach Estate deer stalking information sign. The stalking season here is 15 September to 20 October during which walkers should keep to the paths or phone the estate for further information.

Stage 3

Follow the stony path as it winds uphill, ignoring a smaller path to the left. The ground becomes much barer as the path climbs above the last single pines. After the gradient eases off, the first main path to the left is passed. Marked with a cairn this route leads to the bealach between Fuar Tholl and Sgòrr Ruadh. Ignore this turning and continue straight on with Beinn Liath Mhor looming ahead. Soon a second, larger cairn is reached on the right. This marks the path up into Coire Làir. Stay right here as the path climbs again. Ignore a third path to the left and soon begin the descent with open views ahead.

Stage 4

The path is clear as it cuts through the heather and crosses a couple of streams. Soon it runs parallel to the pretty mixed woodland on the other side of the river. A wooden bridge allows you to cross another stream with an impressive waterfall just before you reach the bothy at Easan Dorcha. The tiny teahouse is now 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. From here a track leads down to the stone bridge over the River Coulin about 2 kilometres further on.

Stage 5

There are fantastic views of Beinn Eighe to the north. The flat track follows the River Coulin for a kilometre before curving left and entering a plantation and heading towards the house at Coulin. Just before the house turn right at a T junction following the footpath sign. Continue on the track as it crosses a large wooden bridge and loops around before climbing past a single house on the right. Soon after the house the track crosses a small wooden bridge. Immediately after this, take the faint path to the left which is signed.

Stage 6

The narrow stony path heads through heather towards the shores of Loch Coulin. There are some boggy sections on this part of the path which initially skirts the edge of the loch and then undulates over heathery ground before passing through a gate. Follow the path, with woodland to the right and the loch to the left until it rises up to meet a track from the right. Turn left onto the track and follow it along side the stretch of water between the two lochs until you reach a gate. Go through the gate and straight ahead on the road, ignoring the bridge leading to Coulin Lodge. The minor road clings to the side of Loch Clair and gives great views of Sgùrr Dubh straight across and Liathach behind. Beinn Eighe remains a looming presence to the north. The road eventually curves away from the Loch and crosses a bridge before rising to meet the A896, the main Torridon road at NH002581, where there is a small parking layby.

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Coulin Pass - Achnashellach to Torridon

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