Get Lost Mountaineering

Beinn nan Eun & Carn Loch nan Amhaichean from near Inchbae Lodge

Start/Finish

Entrance to track (park carefully) at NH 399 695 about 100 m NW of Inchbae Lodge (opposite side of road) on A836 Dingwall to Ullapool road.

Distance/Time

14 km walk + 12 km bike       Approx 9 hours

Peaks

Beinn nan Eun, 743 m, NH 448 759.

Carn Loch nan Amhaichean, 697 m, NH 411 757.      OS map 20.

Introduction

These are quite remote and inaccessible peaks with little in the way of paths once the track is left. However, they give very good views of Ben Wyvis, the Beinn Dearg range and hills around Gleann Mor to the north. On a clear day, you can see some of the Inverpolly hills. If you like wilderness walking – this is for you!

Route

(1) Follow the track N for about 6 km to Strathrannoch. Cross the bridge and follow the track on the SE side of the wood to a stile where bikes can be left. A path (intermittent in places) follows the river crossing it twice before petering out. Aim for the highest flat section on the N ridge of Carn Loch nan Amhaichean at about NH 411 766. Do not aim for the obvious bealach at about NH 409 773, even though some intermittent paths seem to be heading that way, as you will have to cross or traverse Clach Sgoilte and all its peat hags. Descend from the N ridge and follow the N shore of Loch nan Amhaichean (hints of paths). Beinn nan Eun is now visible but do not be tempted to traverse across the peat hags. Instead, follow the outflow from the loch down to its confluence with the Abhainn Beinn nan Eun which can usually be crossed with ease about 50 m upstream from here – in spate, you may need to go a little further upstream. Once across the burn, aim for the W ridge of Beinn nan Eun as easier ground is then reached more easily. Once on the ridge, climb E for about 1½ km to reach the obvious summit cairn of Beinn nan Eun, 743 m. In mist, you will need to navigate very carefully on the flatter, broader sections of this ridge.

(2) Retrace to the N ridge of Carn Loch nan Amhaichean. Ascend S for just over 1 km to reach a small plateau and the summit cairn of Carn Loch nan Amhaichean, 697 m.

(3) Descend easy, stony ground SW then as the going worsens, curve round W to rejoin the outward path back to Strathrannoch.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 4^th August, 2007 and 11^th September, 2009.

(b) According to the map, it is possible to reach both these peaks using the path up the Abhainn Beinn nan Eun from Wyvis Lodge at the W end of Loch Glass which is about 9 km up a track from the end of public road up Glen Glass which starts near Evanton on the Cromarty Firth.