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Beinn Loinne from Cluanie
Beinn Loinne from Cluanie
Start/Finish
The Cluanie Inn is a well known landmark at the western end of Loch Cluanie on the A87 from Invergarry to Kyle of Lochalsh. There is a free car park opposite the inn. If coming from Inverness, take the A887 from Invermoriston which joins the A87 at Moriston Bridge. The route goes up the old road from Cluanie to Tomdoun which starts just to the east of the inn and goes around the back of the lock. It is possible to drive a short distance up this old road then park.
Distance/Time
18 km About 6 hours
Peaks
Beinn Loinne, 790 m, NH 131 077. OS sheet 33.
Introduction
This is a pleasant walk but has a mixed approach. The first part is along the old road from Cluanie to Tomdoun which is now a track that can be cycled. The second part is over rough undulating moorland with several false shoulders before the top is reached. Navigating across this moorland will tax the inexperienced in mist. There are some superb views which include the eastern end of the South Glen Shiel, Spidean Mialach, Ciste Dubh, A' Chralaig and Sgurr nan Conbhairean. The nearest place for accommodation, excluding the Cluanie Inn, is Shiel Bridge to the west.
Route
(1) Walk up the old road to its highest point at about 435 m. Leave the old road and walk slightly S of E across the rough moorland. There seem to be some grassy/heathery ridges but there is no single ridge leading to the summit. Nowhere is the ground too steep or rocky so one can walk almost anywhere. There are hints of a faint path here and there – if you are lucky! Aim for the N side of the summit plateau where there is an unusual narrow, square trig point which marks the summit of Beinn Loinne, 790 m.
(2) Retrace the outward route.
Notes
(a) This walk took place on 8th May, 2015.
(b) Accommodation is limited at Shiel Bridge but there are two camp sites. One behind the garage, the other at Morvich on the old road around Loch Duich. The latter is run by the Caravan Club and has very good facilities including Wi-Fi.