Achnahaird Bay circuit

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A rough coastal circuit with fine views of the Coigach mountains.

Terrain

Rough coastal walking; there is a fairly continuous sheep-path for most of the way. The ground is boggy and crosses slippery rocks above the cliffs in a few places so care is needed.

Public Transport

None.

Start

Car parking at road junction by Loch Raa. 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: 8.5km / 5.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 2.5 - 4 hours
Ascent: 168m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NC026131

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is car parking on the right immediately before reaching the road junction by Loch Raa where the road divides for Achilitibuie (left) and Reiff (right). Park here and begin the walk along the Reiff road. After about a hundred and fifty metres turn right through a pedestrian gate giving access to the bank of the river flowing out to sea. Follow this, walking either on the salt flats alongside or the rough boggy grass slightly further to the right. After about a kilometre ford a shallow stream - there are usually enough stones to get across with dry feet. Continue along the grassy shore, and then the pebbles when the grass runs out.

Stage 2

The river now flows out to sea. Over the other side of it is a beautiful stretch of fine sand - Achnahaird Bay. Although well seen it can't be accessed from this walk - you could visit it afterwards by car, taking a right turn in Achnahaird to reach a car park at the end of the road from where a path leads to the beach. Continuing our walk, the route alongside the water is soon blocked by rocks; head up to the right for a few metres to pick up a sheep path running parallel to the coast. Follow this path, soon crossing a large stile over a deer fence.

Stage 3

Beyond the stile the path passes round the back of a shallow bay, cutting across a steep rocky slope at one point. A short distance further is Rubha Beag - the Little Point, where the coast and the walk turn east. There are great views from here across to the lighthouse near the Point of Stoer, and of Suilven and Stac Pollaidh inland. Follow the coast round a rocky inlet to reach a bay with a ruined house.

Stage 4

Pass the ruin and continue round the coast. At the next bay the route down is blocked by a low cliff and it is necessary to detour inland a little to circumvent it. Beyond this bay is the pebbly peninsula of Rubh' a' Choin. From here follow the pebbly beach itself below a cliff before climbing up the next heathery headland where the coast and the walk take another turn to the right. It is necessary to go over the highest point of the headland to avoid steep ground above the cliffs. The path then slopes down a little and crosses another large stile.

Stage 5

A short boggy section leads to the pretty Garvie bay and its pebbly beach. Leave the coast here by following the west side of Loch Garvie. Crossing the Allt Luchaidh may require a short detour to the right - and a big jump across. Head back to the path close to Loch Garvie and follow it south, close to the feeder stream, to reach the road beside a bridge. Turn right along the road to return to the start.

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