Beinn a' Chaisgein Beag from Gruinard Bay

On the A832 roughly halfway between Dundonnell and Poolewe, the route begins at the small settlement of Inchina near the southern shore of Loch Gruinard. A right-of-way sign points towards Loch na Sealga and marks the start of the estate track into Srath na Sealga.

Parking at the route start is limited to a few spaces on a roadside verge. If intending to cycle the track - highly recommended - it is better to instead use the car-park for Gruinard Beach around a mile south-west of the start point. A payment machine is present, though charges appear to operate on an invitation-to-pay basis rather than being mandatory.

From the roadside, the rough estate track is followed as it descends towards the Gruinard River. A locked gate is met shortly after the start, though a narrow gap at the side allows passage with a bike - just. Ahead, the serrated northern crest of Beinn Dearg Bheag dominates the skyline and remains a constant feature for much of the journey into the glen.

The track proves surprisingly decent despite occasional rougher sections. The route is rideable throughout on a mountain bike, and a gravel bike would likely also suffice in dry conditions.

The track undulates gently through the strath, passing two broad grassy flats before approaching a third. Just before reaching this third open area, look for the remains of a ruin on the right-hand side of the track. If the crossing of the Allt Loch Ghiubhsachain has been reached - a structure somewhere between a bridge and a ford - then the turning point has been overshot. Bikes can be left beside the ruin.

From the ruin, a flat area of grass and damp heather is crossed southwards to reach the base of a broad heather-clad slope. A straightforward climb of around 100m gains easier angled ground leading into a wide coire.

Above and ahead, a rocky summit initially might be confused as being Beinn a' Chaisgein Beag, though this proves instead to be the buttressed crags of Creag na Sgoinne on the north-eastern arm of Beinn a' Chaisgein Mòr.

Progress continues steadily through increasingly interesting terrain, passing strange rock formations - some embedded within sedimentary masses, others standing isolated as erratic boulders. One that I passed even supported its own miniature ecosystem.

Near the foot of Creag na Sgoinne, a faint old stalkers' path is picked up with the dome of Beinn a' Chaisgein Beag now clearly visible ahead.

The path eases progress considerably, descending slightly to cross the burn of Uisge Toll a' Mhadaidh before beginning to climb up Beinn a' Chaisgein Beag's eastern slopes. Higher up, the path turns south-west towards the bealach with Frith-mheallan. Leaving the path at a convenient point , a final climb is made directly uphill through short heather and scattered boulders to gain the broad summit crest.

Approaching the summit, a curious stone circle is met. Reminiscent in size and structure of the circle found near Slioch's southern summit, this 'artwork' of unknown origin is more intricate in appearance, with a line of white pebbles cutting through it and another fainter darker line pointing roughly northwards.

A small cairn perched on a rocky outcrop marks the summit , with a trig point standing a few metres to the north-west.

Views are extensive in all directions, though the hill's broad summit shape means the best outlooks are gained by wandering a short distance from the highest point - particularly for the view westwards over Fionn Loch towards Beinn Àirigh Chàrr and neighbouring peaks.

The return follows the outward route, with the bulk of Sail Mhor and the intricate northern crest of Beinn Dearg Bheag dominating much of the view ahead on the descent. Off to the right, a small wooden chalet can also be spotted near Loch Toll a' Mhadaidh.

After picking up bikes, an additional detour of around 1km to the northern end of Loch na Sealga is well worth the extra effort. Superb views open along the length of the loch towards An Teallach and the Fisherfield peaks beyond. Remains near the mouth of the loch also suggest there may once have been a suspension bridge spanning the Gruinard River here, leading to a path on the northern side of Loch na Sealga.