Getting there
North of Lairg the A838 follows the eastern shore of Loch Shin through a vast land of moor and forestry.
At the northern end of Loch Shin the road wynds its way around Loch Merkland before aiming for more scenic countryside.
The starting point for Beinn Leoid is just west of the highest point on the A838, where a small wooden bridge can be seen crossing the Allt Cean Locha and a parking place is just to the east of this.
Beinn Leoid
Cross the footbridge and follow a stalkers path as it twists and turns climbing steeply uphill.
Beyond the forests the path begins to level and crosses some undulating ground.
The path ends abruptly by a small cairn
.
Aim southwards over undulating grass covered terrain and after a further 1km the ground begins to rise
.
Start to head south-south-west, contouring around Meallan a'Chuail.
The terrain is slightly rough, moreso as the bealach between Meallan a'Chuail and Beinn Leoid is approached.
Once onto the col
, the ground underfoot becomes more gentle and a faint path can be detected aiming west.
The ground rises and a small cairn is found
- there's only 1km further to reach the summit.
Boulderfields begin to appear, though they never hinder progress much and the summit with its trig point sheltering behind a small dyke is finally gained.
Meallan a'Chuail
Return to the col between Beinn Leoid and Meallan a'Chuail, then aiming east, start to ascend the hill directly ahead.
The ground steepens, and sections of boulderfields and rocks require negotiating.
A small cairn rests on the summit.
Meall an Fheur Loch and return
From Meallan a'Chuail's summit turn north and pick up a faint path.
Unfortunately the path doesn't last and you have to pick a way down some rocks and crags before the terrain easies.
At around c500m
you have the option of aiming north for 1km to pick up the path by the cairn
and returning, or alternatively turning east to cross the outflow of Loch Cul a'Mhil and climbing up Meall an Fheur Loch (I did the former as the weather was really dreich !)
