Walk 2693 - printer friendly version

Achnashellach & Easan Dorcha Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 8.8 miles / 14.3 km

Ascent - 1650 feet / 500 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference NH005484
Lat 57.4818070 + Long -5.3295262
Postcode IV54 8YU (approx. location only)

Walk from Achnashellach railway station exploring the mountain landscape to the north. Achnashellach is served by trains of the line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. The route crosses superb wild Highland scenery with two Munros - Fuar Tholl and Sgurr Ruadh - providing a fitting backdrop to the walk. Crosses two passes, follows the Easan Dorcha (river), and passes several waterfalls. It is worth noting that you should be well equipped and carry maps or a gps device as the walk is in a very remote area.

Parking is available near the station (grid ref. NH005484) opposite the phone box on the A890. After parking follow the track up to the station, cross the railway and after 100 metres turn left on a forest track. Pass through gate and continue for 400 metres and turn left as indicated by an arrow (grid ref. NG998486). The path leads to the River Lair. Turn right along the rising track with the river on your left. After two kilometres you reach a path junction (grid ref. NG990503) where a path leads left to Loch Coire Lair. Keep ahead, still climbing, to the next path junction where you fork right and soon reach the summit in a broad col.

The path descends crossing several streams and reaches the Easan Dorcha. The path stays on the northern side of the river which flows through a beautiful wild valley. After 1.5 kilometres you reach a footbridge (grid ref. NH011525) with a small bothy nearby. Cross the bridge and continue beside the river for a further kilometre to reach a stone bridge across the river. Turn right across the river and follow the track which climbs steadily to cross the Coulin Pass (grid ref. NH024500). Pass through a gate and descend on a well-maintained track that leads back to Achnashellach station.

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