Maol-bhuidhe to Craig

Summary

This route gives tough going, starting from remote Maol-bhuidhe bothy. Bendronaig Bothy can be reached by a short detour before the route - rough and tough - climbs over the Bealach Bearnais. The descent is more straightforward, with a path and then a rough track down to Craig in Strath Carron.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Rough, boggy footpaths and pathless terrain; final track to Craig gives easier going.

Public Transport

No road access to start of stage; there is a rail station 4km from Craig at Achnashellach.

Start

Maol-bhuidhe bothy. 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: 24.25km / 15 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6.5-7.5 hours
Ascent: 633m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH052359

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (0)

Stage 1

The stage begins at Maol-bhuidhe. 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. Begin by heading north to ford the River Ling close to the point that it enters the loch.

Stage 2

Continue over the southeast slopes of Beinn Dronaig to pick up the path descending the eastern shoulder. Follow this path as much as possible to cross the Allt Loch Calavie at the eastern end of Loch Calavie and pick up a good vehicle track running east-west. Turn left and follow the track along the northern shore of the loch for 5km.

Stage 3

The track leads to a ford and rickety footbridge. The estate bothy at Bendronaig Lodge (pictured) is a short detour from here across the bridge, but to continue the route fork right just before the ford and bridge onto a good track skirting the southwest slopes of Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich, the remote Munro often referred to as Cheesecake.

Stage 4

Initially a good vehicle track it peters out as it curves northeast and reaches Coire Beithe, and the final ascent to Bealach Bhearnais is across rough, trackless terrain littered with rocky outcrops and boulders.

Stage 5

From the bealach look for a path descending along the northern (left) side of Allt Leathad an Tobair - this becomes clearer in Pollan Buidhe before reaching an exciting wire bridge across the river - some will undoubtedly prefer to ford the shallow river rather than risk an undignified dunking.

Stage 6

On the far side bear left and join a good vehicle track running along the river, offering spectacular views over the peaks of the Coulin Forest as it enters pleasant woodland and drops down gradually to a pair of bridges over the River Carron.

Stage 7

Turn right to cross one of these and follow the track left alongside the railway line. After shadowing the railway for 750m cross the line with great care at an unmanned gated crossing and continue up to the A890 road at Craig. Turn left and follow the road - there is a narrow grass verge on both sides but it's necessary to exercise extreme caution, particularly on bends or poor visibility. The legendary Gerry's Hostel is soon passed on the left hand side of the road.

Next stage: Craig to Kinlochewe

Route: Phil Turner

Route Profile

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