Oykel Bridge to Inchnadamph

Summary

A good vehicle track along the River Oykel makes early progress easy. Continue into wild Benmore Forest and ascend to the narrow bealach below rugged Conival and Ben More Assynt before dropping down to the amenities of Inchnadamph on the shore of Loch Assynt.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Excellent vehicle tracks for much of the distance, but also boggy grassy footpaths and a rough, pathless section at the head of Glen Oykel

Public Transport

Highland Council Dial-a-Bus service (must be prebooked) between Oykel Bridge and Lairg (for trains/scheduled buses); Inchnadamph is served by bus.

Start

Oykel Bridge. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 31.5km / 19.5 miles
Time: 8 - 11 hours
Ascent: 564m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NC385008

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

Take the track just to the right of the Oykel Bridge Hotel (as you face the hotel) to cross the old bridge over the River Oykel. Turn left on the far side onto a good vehicle track. Ignore the tempting footpath branching down towards the river - this ends after about 300m - and instead stick to the main track through trees at first and then grazing with good views to the river. Very popular with salmon fishers there are numerous fishing huts and picnic tables dotted along the bank.

Stage 2

This track continues for around 8km passing just to the right of the barn at Caplich farm. Stay on the main track ignoring and path/track nearer the river, the two routes join up later when the track crosses the Allt Rugaidh Bheag at an idyllic river pool and bench. The track now runs closer to the river before narrowing to a footpath after Salachy and becoming very boggy in places. With conifer plantation to the right, the grassy path widens and passes another fishing hut and climbs above the river for a couple of short sections.

Stage 3

Eventually the path reaches the Garbh Ath Chaoruinn. Cross the wooden footbridge and after a short distance turn right onto a grassy track waymarked with bright blue markers. Follow this uphill and turn left onto a track. Follow this, with increasingly good views to Ben More Assynt ahead, until it drops down to meet the track running along the eastern bank of Loch Ailsh. Turn right to cross the old bridge and follow the track, with stunning views ahead.

Stage 4

Follow the track past a selection of buildings before passing to the left of beautifully situated Benmore Lodge - a private hunting lodge. Descend slightly to follow the river on the eastern bank, and cross a ladder stile to reach a path junction at a ford and footbridge. Cross and continue along the main track; the footpath heading right offers a remote detour to Glencoul, a potential route alternative if you don't need to visit Inchnadamph.

Stage 5

Continuing along the main track the going is easy though the good path begins to get rougher and more indistinct as the head of the glen is approached. Ben More Assynt.

Stage 6

Rather than follow the path marked on maps up towards Dubh-Loch-Mor and then contouring around the head of the glen, it's quicker to cut across the Allt an Duch Loch Mhoir and aim more directly for the bealach; the going underfoot is tough, especially in wet conditions.

Stage 7

Pick up a clear path on the western side of the bealach and follow it as it crosses onto the eastern side and descends over a few rocky sections high above the river. Drop down towards the River Traligill - in clear weather an obvious path should be visible on the far bank, so find a safe place to cross, ideally before the river drops into a steep-sided gorge. This path - the Munro-baggers' route to Conival and Ben More Assynt - is well-worn and easy to follow as it winds through Gleann Dubh.

Stage 8

Pass a path junction heading left to the Trallgil Caves (an easy and worthwhile detour) and follow the now quite wide track past Glenbain and down to a bridge and path junction heading up to a new and very prominent whitewashed house. Assuming a need to visit Inchnadamph ignore this path for now and curve left to drop down to the hostel and hotel, plus a variety of transport options running along the A837.

Next stage: Inchnadamph to Kylestrome

Photos 3-5: Phil Turner

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