This walk follows a vehicle track to a beautiful old native pinewood, with great views over the Coulin Forest peaks across Strathcarron.
Forestry track with a fair uphill stretch; the last short section down to the bridge is on a well made path.
Inverness - Lochcarron bus passes along the A890.
Achnashellach Forest car park, Craig.
Park at Achnashellach Forest car park, which is signed on the north side of the road at Craig. Walk back down cross the road, following the track opposite across the railway level crossing. The track bends left and heads up the glen. There are great views ahead of Sgùrr nan Ceannaichean.
After about a kilometre the track bends right and crosses a bridge over the River Carron. Once across the river and past a turning area the track forks; take the left fork heading uphill - the start of a long climb above the (unseen) Sloc Mòr gorge.
As height is gained, a terrific view opens up behind of the Coulin peaks. First to appear is Fuar Tholl on the left, later joined by Sgòrr Ruadh and Beinn Liath Mhor. After just over a kilometre a hydro track goes off to the right - ignore this and keep to the main track, with views ahead of the Allt a Chonais gorge.
Further on another track goes off right, this time signed for the 'Allt a'Chonais pinewood'. Turn down this track, following it until a waymarker post indicates the start of a steep descent down to the river. There is a well constructed path; as you reach the river, it bears right. There are fine pinewoods across the river.
The path follows the river for a short distance to an old bench and the remains of a now unusable bridge. This is a wonderful spot, with fine views of the ancient Caledonian pine trees high above the river. The walk ends here - even if you can cross the river there is no onward path to return on the other side - so retrace your steps the way you came to return to the start.
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