Culnacraig circular

This easy circuit near the end of the Achilitibuie road offers stunning views of the mountains as well as the Summer Isles. It takes in a footpath between the two tiny crofting settlements of Achduart and Culnacraig.

Terrain

Quiet minor roads and well-made footpath

Public Transport

None to start. Nearest bus is Badenscallie (Bus 811 from Ullapool) approx 1km back towards Achilitibuie.

Start

Car park above Achininver Hostel. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a small parking area on both sides of the road signed for Achininver Hostel; this is a good place to begin the walk. If full, there is further parking along the route about four hundred metres along the Achduart road. Begin the walk by passing a pretty cottage and following the road south. When it forks, take the right hand branch with its stone walkers sign for Achduart. Follow this even quieter road, ignoring a track off to the right and enjoying the stunning views ahead across the water towards Beinn Ghobhlach and An Teallach, as well as to the Summer Isles further right.

Stage 2

The road passes some finely located houses at Achnacarinan, crosses a burn and climbs slightly on the approach to Achduart. At the public road end turn left onto a track, then forking left again. The track passes above the crofts of Achduart; when it reaches a gate, go left onto a footpath that runs along beside the fence, signed for Culnacraig and Strathcanaird. The path keeps to the left to pass behind a final roadless house with a red tin roof. The route dog-legs to the right before continuing across the open ground.

Stage 3

The path climbs slightly and then begins to descend gently. The great cone-shaped Garbh Coireachan ridge of Ben More Coigach on the left dominates the view up the sea loch. Continue to reach a wooden footbridge and then a signed path junction just beyond. Turn left here; the right hand path heads eventually to Strathcanaird and Ullapool but is very rough and challenging; from the 1860s the walking postman used to make the return journey along this path twice a week to fetch mail. Tarmac roads didn't reach Achilitibuie until the 1960s.

Stage 4

The path soon leads up to a track; continue ahead, passing below the first house of Culnacraig, and going straight ahead again at the next track junction. Continue ahead once again until the track leads up to the end of the tarmac road. Turn left here to follow the road, climbing up and leaving behind the green oasis of Culnacraig.

Stage 5

The road passes beneath the stark rocky cone of Conmheall, high up to the right. Go straight ahead at a road junction to head back to the start.

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