Beinn Dhorain from Glen Loth

Glen Loth

The route begins in Sutherland, where the A9 passes through the coastal towns of Brora and Helmsdale. Roughly midway between them, a minor single-track road marked 'Glen Loth' turns inland to the north. This narrow road climbs steeply through thick bracken before levelling out into the peaceful expanse of Glen Loth.

Evidence of former settlements can still be found here: standing stones near the bridge over Sletdale Burn, and another solitary stone perched on a small rise above Loth Burn. The glen, though now largely empty, bears the quiet traces of past lives.

The walk begins just north of the bridge over Sletdale Burn, by a gate in a deer fence. The initial view is dramatic - Ben Uarie's eastern crags rise steeply above the glen, presenting a craggy and imposing presence. Parking is possible nearby on a rough, grassy verge.

Beinn Dhorain from Druim Dearg

The walk begins by passing through the deer gate (or, if locked - as was the case on my visit - the adjacent loose section of fencing can be negotiated). A grassy track leads gently uphill, soon passing through another side gate in a fence.

After approximately 300m, a faint fork is reached - easily missed. The right-hand path should be taken. This continues faintly through bracken, past a small cairn, and leads to another fence crossed via a side gate. From here, the open hillside is gained.

The terrain is a pleasant mix of grass and heather - rarely too dense - and fine views back across Glen Loth quickly emerge. Beinn Mhealaich dominates the skyline to the east, narrowly missing out on Graham status by only a few metres.

At around 400m, the faint track appears to veer towards the col between Druim Dearg and Creag a' Bhodaich. At this point, it was left behind in favour of a more direct line to what appeared to be the summit of Druim Dearg . The flatness of Druim Dearg makes its true summit hard to pinpoint - possibly lying further east than the OS-marked 445m spot height.

Looking from Beinn Dhorain to Ben Uarie with Morven behind

Looking from Beinn Dhorain to Ben Uarie with Morven behind

From Beinn Dhorain, a gentle continuation leads northward. The route dips slightly before climbing once more over grassy slopes to the rounded summit of Ben Uarie , topped by a trig point encircled by a protective stone dyke.

View down Strath of Kildonan from Ben Uarie

View down Strath of Kildonan from Ben Uarie

Looking back up Ben Uarie from the roadside

A direct descent from Ben Uarie into Glen Loth is not advised, due to steep slopes and scattered rocky outcrops. Instead, the return begins by retracing steps towards the bealach between Ben Uarie and Beinn Dhorain. From here, an eastward turn is made, descending gently through a broad coire.

Ruins in Glen Loth

Ruins in Glen Loth