Beinn Enaiglair from Braemore

Braemore gatehouse by the junction

Around 12km south of Ullapool, the main A835 trunk road meets with the A832 by Braemore junction, beside which is a large car-parking area and the entrance to Braemore Estate.

On the A832, 1km on from Braemore junction, is another car-parking area which is for Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Messach - a visit to this via the constructed footpaths and viewing platforms is highly recommended.

Waterfall on the Allt a' Chumhainn

From Braemore junction car-park, head to Braemore Estate gate-house, then follow a fine track heading north-west. After around 1.5km the track comes to the entrance for the main estate house , just before which there is a junction with another track heading off right and uphill.

Follow this other track as it passes another smaller house and some outbuildings then continues through some forestry, to meet with a gate in a deer-fence. Through the gate, keep to the track as it passes a loch with boathouse, then climbs gently with Beinn Enaiglair in view ahead. Passing a grass-topped dyke, the track comes to a cairn - leave the track here and follow a faint path directly uphill and above the Allt a' Chumhainn with a few lovely little waterfalls.

Beinn Dearg from Beinn Enaiglair's summit

Beinn Dearg from Beinn Enaiglair's summit

View from Beinn Enaiglair's western cairn

A straightforward return can be made by re-tracing your steps back down Beinn Enaiglair's southern slopes.

On my most recent visit I opted to head along Beinn Enaiglair's north-western shoulder in order to savour more views over Coigach. After pausing by the cairn on a minor rise and around 1km on from the summit, I turned westwards and enjoyed a fine downhill run over heather and grass. I reached the track around 1km north where it was left earlier and followed it southwards to the cairn by the Allt a' Chumhainn and retraced my steps back.

On my first tìme up Beinn Enaiglair, we were in fine conditions and had plenty of time, so opted to extend our planned route up to Beinn Dearg. Easier than expected, we went over Iorguill and followed the 'destitution wall' to Beinn Dearg's summit followed by a return out via Clach na h-Aide.