Inchnadamph to Kylestrome

Summary

Leaving Inchnadamph, the trail climbs to the remote pass at Bealach na h-Uidhe before descending to pass below Britain's highest waterfall and a tough pathless section to reach Glencoul bothy. A rough path climbs the shoulder to Loch Glendhu with spectacular views and Glendhu bothy before a long section of track brings you to Kylestrome which is a short walk from Kylesku which has a hotel (closed winter). Both bothies would make good overnight stops and there are wild camping options near these as well.

Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Rocky, moorland footpaths, indistinct and boggy in places, track for final section. Potentially tricky burn crossing.

Getting there

Start

Inchnadamph.

Public Transport

Inchandamph has an infrequent bus link to Inverness - and Durness via Kylestrome.

Start Grid Ref

NC252217

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Services

Inchnadamph has both a hotel and an independent hostel. There are two MBA bothies along this stage. There are no facilities at Kylestrome, but there is a hotel around 2km away at Kylesku.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 27.5km / 17 miles
Time: 10-11 hours
Ascent: 1092m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

From Inchnadamph take the track leading past the entrance to the hostel and follow it alongside the River Trallgil for a short distance. Ignore a track off to the left and immediately afterwards and before the track crosses the Allt Poll an Droighinn turn left on a path marked with a very small cairn to head NE. The path climbs easily, passing an old gate, and traversing above the river before heading north. When the path forks at a small shelter, keep left to soon pass the western end of Loch Fleodach Corrie, where a broken down bridge may necessitate the first short wade/paddle of the day.

Stage 2

The path is indistinct in places as it aims for the Bealach na h-Uidhe which is marked by a cairn. Cross the bealach and descend on a rough path which soon improves and zig zags down the steep ground before the gradient eases off and the route crosses very rough rocky moorland dotted with tiny lochans. When the path reaches the west end of a larger lochan (with another tiny lochan to the left) the path splits on the far side, turn right (SE) here to follow the side of the lochan. Soon the faint path splits again, keep left to start the steeper descent to the glen floor with good views of the steep slopes opposite.

Stage 3

The path is boggy but zig zags down the slope before petering out after crossing the burn, its best to head directly downhill here alongside the burn. At the bottom cross the Abhainn an Loch' Bhig which may require wading. Head NW down the glen, there is no real path on either side of the river and the terrain makes for slow going although there are good views of the sea ahead and the Eas a' Chual Aluinn waterfall - Britain's highest.

Stage 4

Eventually Loch Beag is reached, keep on the slightly higher ground above the iron fence posts to cross the rough ground to follow the east side of the sea loch to pick up a path just beyond the remains of a stone wall. It is a relief to be walking on a path after such a long rough section and soon the buildings at Glencoul come into view. The bothy is reached first and makes an atmospheric overnight spot with plenty of wild camping places nearby. The bothy is maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association; please help by carrying out any rubbish you find here, and always follow the bothy code when visiting.

Stage 5

To continue head down from the bothy and pass in front of the metal-roofed building to reach the Glencoul River, where there is now a bridge. On the far side turn right for a short section on the track heading up the glen, soon turning off to the left onto a small path which heads diagonally NW up the steep slope above Loch Glencoul.

Stage 6

As height is gained the mass of Quinag can be seen to the west and the views back down over Glencoul are equally spectacular. The narrow path crosses bracken and heather and is straightforward to follow as it crosses the shoulder of the hill and the houses of Unapool and Kylesku can be seen across the water.

Stage 7

As the path turns back to descend to Loch Glendhu there are great views ahead of the rocky band on the steep side of Beinn a' Ghrianain across the water. As the path (sometimes running with water) heads east it descends through patches of woodland, with views of the bothy opposite, to eventually reach the shoreline.

Stage 8

Here it follows a route that can be submerged at very high tide (it is possible to make your way round behind the rocks on the right) to reach the footbridge over the river at the head of the loch. From here it is a short walk, going through a gate to pass in front of the house, to reach the open bothy at Glen Dubh, another stunningly situated place to spend the night. This is another bothy maintained by MBA volunteers so do please help once more by carrying out any rubbish you find here, and always follow the bothy code when visiting.

Stage 9

To continue to Kylestrome, follow the undulating track along the north side of Loch Glendhu with wonderful views to Quinag and the surrounding hills as well as back to the head of Glen Coul. The second half of the track has recently been upgraded as part of a hydro scheme on the Maldie Burn and makes easier walking although the hard surface can be tiring. Before the forestry, when the track turns steeply uphill take the lower level track on the left to continue to Kylestrome (the uphill track can be used as a short cut if continuing on the Cape Wrath Trail without visiting Kylesku - see the next section). Otherwise the last part of the track is delightful as it hugs the loch and heads through woods with good views of Kyesku bridge before emerging at a minor road. Turn right to head uphill, passing the buildings at Kylestrome before reaching the A894 - turn left to walk down the road and across the bridge to Kylesku.

Next stage: Kylestrome to Rhiconich

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