Getting there
From Ullapool, head north on the A835 for 15km, then turn left onto an unclassified road to 'Achiltibuie'. Travel along this road for just over 5km and park near Linneraineach (parking is tricky, don't park in the passing places !).
Cul Beag
Walk back along the road and look for a stalker's path heading uphill to some tall old trees. Follow this path behind the trees and to its highest point
, just above Lochan Fhionnlaidh, then head east aiming for some green lines in the otherwise brown heather-clad hillside. As the incline steepens, a path forms, which wynds its way up to a small dip in Cul Beag's northern spur
. Upon reaching this dip, turn south and follow a path up loose gravel to Cul Beag's grass covered summit with precipitous drops to the west and superb views over Ben More Coigach.
Cul Mor
Return to the dip
, then turn north-east and drop down on more grass lines cutting through thick heather. Aim for the outflow of Lochan Dearg
, then cross it and then climb up steep grass and through a few ferns northwards to reach Lochan Dearg a'Chuil Mhoir
. This lochan is central to a wonderful 'lost valley' and has a soft sandy beach with intriguing views over to Stac Pollaidh. Head north-east aiming for a heather-clad gap in the sandstone outcrops ahead
, then continue around the back of Creag nan Calman. The heather gives way to delightful short grass at around c650m, making a for an easy ascent up to the cairn on Cul Mor and stunning views over Suilven.
Return
To return, head back down the grass and heather towards Lochan Dearg's outflow, but before reaching it, turn westwards to what appears to be a track. This track heads north-west, so upon reaching it, cross it and aim west over heather and grass to meet up with the faint path following Loch an Doire Dhuibh's southern shore
. Continue through a wood, beyond which the path improves and climbs gently up to Lochan Fhionnlaidh.
Re-trace your steps back to the road.
