Inverbroom waterfall, gorge & river circuit

Summary

This delightful circular walk follows an enchanting path across the flanks of Strath More, passing through beautiful native woodland. The path ascends and descends constantly, crossing tiny footbridges and visiting a dramatic gorge with a fine hidden waterfall. The return follows stretches of the River Broom.

Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Clear paths, but very steep ups and downs and many steps. Paths narrow with unprotected drop in places.

Getting there

Start

Lael Forest car park (southern). .

Public Transport

Regular bus service between Ullapool and Inverness passes by the start.

Start Grid Ref

NH195805

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9km / 5.5 miles
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 441m (Profile)

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Explorer 436 - Beinn Dearg

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

The walk begins from the more southerly of the two forestry car parks at Lael Forest Garden. Begin the walk by crossing the main road and then the iron Auchindrean Bridge over the River Broom. Keep straight ahead until the farm buildings at Auchindrean are reached. Pass through two sets of gates between the buildings to reach the track behind - then turn left along this track.

Stage 2

After 100m, fork right off the main track onto a grassy track sloping uphill. It climbs through gorse bushes, and fords a tiny burn (may be dry at times). After another 100m from the main track, turn right again, this time onto a grassy path. This crosses the hillside, with great views down over Auchindrean and the strath, and passing through a good deal of regenerating woodland.

Stage 3

The path undulates considerably; it is well made but the surface is moss and grass and is wet going after rain. Pass through an iron gate in a deer fence, with views down over the river. As the route approaches a burn deep in the trees it bears right downhill until it reaches and crosses a narrow footbridge. On the far side it climbs steps, passing a bench, and later passes through another deer fence gate.

Stage 4

There's another descent to cross another burn on another footbridge... before the path runs across a steep section of hillside with a drop on your right. There's a more open section with a bench and excellent views. The path joins a grassy track, bearing left along it.

Stage 5

Eventually the views take in Loch Broom further down the strath. The grassy track terminates at another bench before reaching the Allt a' Gharbhain - turn left here onto a narrow grassy path that leads onwards.

Stage 6

The path climbs steeply up the side of a gorge, with several long and steep flights of wooden steps. The flanks of the gorge become increasingly impressive, with great walls of rock. Eventually the burn is crossed via a metal bridge.

Stage 7

On the far side the path forks. Take the left branch first to detour up to the foot of an impressive waterfall, before returning and taking the main path which now leads up and across the far side of the gorge to find an exit. The path soon passes through a gate in a deer fence, and then continues its way down across the hillside (passing through another gate) with a glorious view over Loch Broom ahead. Eventually it reaches a grassy track - turn right down this. The track passes a beautiful cottage by the Allt Ach' Ghlaineachain before reaching the main track at the floor of the glen; turn right along this.

Stage 8

After 250m or so it crosses a cattlegrid - leave the track after another 100m to pass through an iron gate in a field on the left. There may be livestock present - if so and you have a dog it may be better to omit the next section and simply follow the track back to Auchindrean. Otherwise, head diagonally across the field, following faint ATV tracks in the grass, to reach and pass through another gate in the field boundary. Continue in the same direction to reach another gate in a drystone wall by the river. Pass through this and then turn right along the banks of the River Broom.

Stage 9

The river is popular for salmon fishing; this whole stretch is a delight on a grassy track at first; there are numerous benches near the various fishing pools, where salmon rest during their vigorous ascents of the river to spawn. When the grassy track swings right away from the river towards a gate, take the riverside path that keeps left, passing Clackour Pool. The next stretch of riverside has several flights of steps and some ornate iron bridges over feeder burns. Cross the bridge over the Allt Cuil an Droighhinn, take the next gate on the right then bear left to continue along the riverside path. After a fenced area and another gate the outward route is rejoined - turn left to cross the bridge over the River Broom back to the start.

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