Achnahaird Bay and Garvie Bay circular

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Summary

Achnahaird Bay is deservedly one of the most celebrated beaches of the Northwest Highlands. This rough coastal circuit follows the shoreline eastwards with fine views of the Coigach mountains to visit the much quieter Garvie Bay. The return is on a minor road.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.2/5

Rating

Terrain

Very rough. Sheep-path for most of the coastal section - boggy in places. Return from Garvie Bay involves a potentially tricky burn crossing and plenty of wet ground.

Public Transport

None.

Start

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

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

There is car parking with an info board 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 - frustrating out of reach; this can be visited at the end of the walk if you have a car (see Stage 6).

Stage 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

A short boggy section leads to the attractive and little visited Garvie Bay with its pebble and - at lower tide - sandy 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.

Stage 7

To visit the sands of Achnahaird Beach - one of the most beautiful in the Northwest Highlands, famed for its views across the sand to the Coigach peaks, continue west along the road by car, taking a right turn in Achnahaird to reach a car park at the end of the road from where a signed path leads to the beach, with Cul Mor, Stac Pollaidh and Cul Beag providing an unforgettable backdrop.

Route Profile

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