Creag Rainich, via Loch a'Bhraoin

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When approached from the east, Creag Rainich has rounded and fairly gentle, open slopes compared to the jagged drama of some of its neighbours. The summit, however, is a stunning viewpoint into the Fisherfield Forest.

Terrain

Track along Loch a'Bhraoin; the hill itself is mostly pathless with boggy ground lower down.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Layby on A832, south west of Braemore junction. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Deer Stalking information

Land to west and north of Creag Ruigh a’Bhraghad-Creag Rainich-Drochaid nan Uan: Gruinard Estate. Stalking between early Sept and 20 Oct. No stalking on Sundays. If further information is needed, please phone 01445 731240.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the parking area just past the forestry plantations and gated, signed track off the A832 to the south west of Braemore junction. From the parking area walk back along the road for 20 metres until you reach the track leading to Loch a Bhraoin; it is signed for long distance routes to Kinlochewe and Loch Fannich. Go past the barrier and along the track, with views of A' Chailleach and Sgùrr Breac ahead.

Stage 2

Soon a gate is reached and new paths head off to the left and right. Turn right here, signed for Kinlochewe. The new path soon reaches the original, rough track along the loch shore and then turns right to follow this to the west. Follow the track along the loch shore for a little over 2km until a good point to strike off northwest uphill; a wooden post at one point marks the start of a very faint ATV track which may help during the initial stages of the ascent.

Stage 3

Continue up the generally pathless open slope; it gets less boggy as height is gained and there are good views back across Loch a'Bhraoin to the Fannichs and Dearg ranges. Aim for the bealach on the bumpy ridge - named the Bristeadh a'Mhill Dhuibh on 1:25k maps. From here continue along the ridge to the minor summit of Meall Dubh.

Stage 4

Descend west briefly into a bealach before curving northwest for the final straightforward ascent up to the summit of Creag Rainich, marked by a stone-built trig point. The position of this Corbett on the fringe of the Fisherfield Forest ensures the outlook is superb, with mighty An Teallach dominating to the north. The eastern Fisherfield Munros also look impressive, with the extremely extensive areas of open slabs on Stob Ban looking striking from this viewpoint.

Stage 5

Return to the bealach and back over Meall Dubh. The shortest route back is to retrace your steps, but the route can be varied by instead continuing to descend southeast down the open slopes, aiming for Lochivroan and the head of the loch (both of which are out of sight at first).

Stage 6

Before reaching Lochivraon a tumbledown fence is crossed. Continue downhill, aiming just to the right of the buildings to gain a track, then turn left along this, through a gate. The house is private, but the building behind it is left open by the estate as a bothy.

Stage 7

Continue east along the track back along the northern shore of Loch a'Bhraoin. soon rejoining the outward route. This stretch runs for some distance, but there are good views of the surrounding mountains. Retrace your steps back up the track to the A832 and the start of the walk.

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