Shenavall to Inverlael

Summary

Whilst this stage of the Cape Wrath Trail is a little shorter, it does have two ascents - a rough and boggy climb from Shenavall, and a second ascent tackling the Coffin Road from Dundonnell. The stage ends at Inverlael on the A835, from where it may be possible to catch a bus or arrange a taxi from Ullapool to get supplies.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

The ascent from Shenavall is eroded, rough and boggy. After that initial stretch, the route follows largely clear hillpaths.

Public Transport

No road access to Shenavall. Inverlael is on the main Inverness to Ullapool bus route.

Start

Shenavall Bothy. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 18.5km / 11.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4.5 - 5.5 hours
Ascent: 740m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH065809

Mapping and GPS

Install our App FREE
Download our route descriptions and use offline with GPS mapping

Want to sponsor this route?

Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

From Shenavall take the path up alongside the Allt a' Chlaiginn behind the bothy. It is rough and eroded, as well as very boggy, though the views back to the Beinn Deargs is superb.

Stage 2

The path reaches around 400m before gradually descending. The going remains very boggy, and when the vehicle track is reached after 4km from the bothy it will likely be with some relief. There are views to An Teallach.

Stage 3

Turn left down the track. There's a footbridge to avoid a ford as the straightforward descent continues down through Gleann Chaorachain, eventually reaching the A832 road. Turn left along the road. After 400m, when the fence on the right diverges from the road, take the grassy path alongside it through the woods to cut the corner and meet the minor road to Badrallach.

Stage 4

Turn right along the road, crossing the arched stone bridge over the river. On the far side turn right on a track, and when the track swings left leave it to go through a gate on the right. The next section of the walk to Inverael follows the line of an old coffin road across the moors. Begin by bearing left once through the gate to climb the grassy slopes on a rough, narrow path.

Stage 5

The path becomes clearer as height is gained. At a band of trees it bears right to head across the slope. There are some muddy patches as the route passes through a gate and continues to climb up onto the moors. The views back of An Teallach are simply superb.

Stage 6

After crossing the Allt an Duibhe a rough track is reached. Take the right fork; it soon becomes a path once more. The going is generally good over the moor, with a few boggier patches; it was used to carry coffins over from Dundonnell for burial at Clachan. After several kilometres the path passes round the north side of Loch an Tiompain.

Stage 7

There's a cairn at the highest point before the path passes the smaller Lochan Dubh, which has the remains of a stone dam. After passing through a gate, there's soon a stunning first view over Loch Broom. The path traverses the slope and soon runs alongside a fence (on your right). Go through two gates in succession before bearing right to continue the descending traverse.

Stage 8

The grassy path gives superb views over Strath More and the River Broom. Eventually it passes through a more ornate gate. At a fork take the left branch, which continues downhill towards another pedestrian gate almost at the level of the strath. Don't pass through, instead following a path to the right, leading to another gate and a field (with a 'Coffin Road' sign pointing the way you have come). Bear right through the field to reach a gate into the trees, then follow the path up steps to meet a minor road. Turn left along the road to cross Inverbroom Bridge and reach the A835. Turn left along the verge for just over 1km to reach the car park at Inverlael (on the opposite side). There are no facilities here except the car park; the main road into Ullapool is very busy and trying to walk beside it is not advised. The nearest accommodation is at Forest Way hostel, or some B&B accommodation near the head of Loch Broom, or it may be possible to arrange collection and drop off from Ullapool accommodation.

Route Profile

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support Walkhighlands?

Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands.