Beinn Ghobhlach may be only 635m high but its distinctive outline and rugged character exceed those of many a higher peak. Its position on the Scoraig peninsula between the two Loch Brooms makes it a truly stunning viewpoint.
Extremely rough, pathless terrain with a great deal of tough heather, tussocks and bogs as well as some steep ground.
None to start.
End of minor road to Badrallach.
Park at the end of the minor road to Badrallach; there is space for a number of cars but take care not to block the turning area by the sign at the very end. The path begins by heading uphill past a sign warning there is no vehicular access. It soon levels off and gives great views over the water. After a couple of kilometres the path rounds a little corner and descends slightly on pitched stone.
As the path bends left again beyond a tiny burn, leave it and head up the rough but mostly grassy ground to the left of the burn - it's steep going but not too rough (yet!). The views back across Little Loch Broom to Sail Mhòr get more impressive as height is gained. The burn peters out but continue up the grassy slope ahead.
Eventually the top of a rise is reached and there's a first view of Beinn Ghobhlach, seen across the waters of Loch na h-Uidhe. Our route keeps to the right (east) of the loch; descend slightly and continue across the heathery ground above the loch shores. There's another loch to the right - Loch na Coireig - but this remains hidden until more height is gained.
The aim is to ascend the steep open flanks of Beinn Ghobhlach to reach the flat shoulder above the steep western buttresses. Once beyond the small beach at the head of the loch this climb begins in earnest - it's steep but steady; a rocky outcrop part way up makes a good place for a break to enjoy the fine views back over the lochs.
Once atop the shoulder, continue up a broad rocky ridge to the east to reach the summit of Beinn Ghobhlach, with a large stone windshelter cairn. At only 635m this peak only reaches Fiona status, but those who have climbed its rough slopes and admired its fabulous views are not likely to think less of it. The view down to Ullapool on Loch Broom is revealed at the summit - but the entire 360 degree panorama is magnificent.
Continue along the rocky but broad sandstone ridge, which gradually curves round from east to north, and finally west. There are impressive crags on the north side, giving great depths to the views over Annat Bay to the great ridge of Ben More Coigach, with Isle Martin and Ardmair Point prominent.
After a final rise the ridge ends by a cairn overlooking the end of the peninsula, with the off-grid community of Scoraig well seen. Beyond the cairn the mountain ends in crags, so it is necessary to instead descend into Coire Dearg to the south.
Descend into the corrie, then head SW steeply down to the moorland below. There is no path and the going is rough throughout. Follow a burn across the more level moorland section. Beinn Ghobhlach means 'forked mountain' - and looking back from here you can see why. Once across the moor the descent steepens once more for the final section. The broken crags can be easily avoided - but the heather, tussocks, bracken and hidden holes cannot - care is needed.
Eventually the coastal path is reached. For a longer day you could detour to the right to visit the community of Scoraig - but to return to the start, turn left. The path is well made and dramatic, climbing slightly to follow ledges around the crags at Creag a' Chadha, passing through a gate. Continue along the path to rejoin the outward route and eventually return to the start.
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