Beinn nan Eun and Càrn Loch nan Amhaichean

The village of Evanton is situated just off the A9, on the northern side of the Cromarty Firth. Within the village, a bridge crosses the River Glass. From the north side of this bridge, a narrow road heads west into Glen Glass, winding through woodland and forestry.

The road continues for approximately 8km before reaching a turning circle near the gated entrance to Eileanach Lodge. While some vehicles were parked along the verge at this point during my visit, there are signs advising against parking there.

A better option is to park out 300m east of the turning circle, at the start of the route. There appears to be no issue parking just inside a double gate across a forestry track at this location.

From the car park, follow the road to its turning circle and pass through the estate gates (there’s a small pedestrian gate to the right). Continue cycling along the estate track, passing Eileanach Lodge and reaching a junction — take the right fork heading northwest through forest for just under 2 km to the southern end of Loch Glass. As the trees open up, you’re rewarded with fine views across the water to Meall Mòr.

The track continues northwest along the loch’s shoreline. Near the head of the loch, you'll reach a signed junction - walkers and cyclists are directed on a short diversion around Wyvis Lodge, rejoining the main track about 500 m further on.

Beyond the lodge, the track becomes a little rougher but remains easily rideable. At a final fork, stay right to descend to a bridge, then climb gently to reach a small hydro dam - a good place to leave the bikes.

Beinn nan Eun rises prominently above the dam, often reflected in its calm water. Head north along the eastern bank of the Abhainn Beinn nan Eun across pathless, damp, and heathery terrain. Upon reaching the base of the hill, a steep, heather-clad slope leads up onto the summit plateau.

The ascent may feel uneventful, but the reward is a magnificent panorama from the top. The whale-back of Ben Wyvis dominates to the south, while the elegant cones of Càrn Chuinneag stand out to the north. A cairn marks the summit of Beinn nan Eun, from where the sense of isolation is palpable.

From Beinn nan Eun’s grassy crest, head westwards. Càrn Loch nan Amhaichean's definition isn’t immediately obvious from this angle - its shape only reveals itself as you descend.

The steep, deep-heathery slopes of Beinn nan Eun hide rocks and divots, but the descent is manageable, eventually leading down to the upper reaches of the Abhainn Beinn nan Eun surrounded by grass.

Although the initial plan might be to skirt around the northern shore of Loch nan Amhaichean and ascend via the northern spur, the crags directly ahead appear far less intimidating than maps suggest. A direct line up Gob na h-Eibheachd proves tempting - and rewarding. A curious little cairn balances on an erratic boulder en route. The top of this minor hill is delightful to cross, although the terrain soon becomes more rugged and uneven.

The foot of the final eastern face of Càrn Loch nan Amhaichean (roughly 100 m above the loch) is reached and the climb up is straightforward. Two cairns mark the summit, offering another round of superb Highland views.

From the summit, descend southward, losing a little height. Keeping as much height as possible while contouring southeast, crosses easier, grassy terrain.

Reaching Lochan Gobhlach, cross its outflow above the small gorge lower down, then head east over gentle grassy slopes.

Eventually, a rough and muddy ATV track running along the western bank of the Abhainn Beinn nan Eun is met. Follow this briefly, then cross the river to regain the bikes at the hydro dam.

From here, enjoy a mainly downhill cycle back along the estate track to Wyvis Lodge followed by a pleasant cycle back along the shores of Loch Glass back to the car park.