Kinlochewe makes a good base for exploring the great torridon mountains including beinn Eighe and Liathach

Kinlochewe is a small but pretty village close to the head of Loch Maree. Visitors to the west coast, taking the scenic Achnasheen road from Garve, pass through Kinlochewe as they take either the northerly road to Gairloch or the southerly single-track road to Torridon. The village sits on the corner of the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, and so is a popular destination for hillwalkers or those just looking to experience the wild and rugged west coast scenery.

The Beinn Eighe nature reserve, named after the mountain of the same name, contains some of the last remaining fragments of the ancient Caledonian pine forest, including some ‘granny pines’ of over 350 years old. This habitat supports pine martens, golden eagles, red deer, crossbills, divers and more. Red squirrels are once again populating the area after being reintroduced in 2016 – and the new population is flourishing. From the visitor centre just north of Kinlochewe, easy woodland paths or challenging mountain trails allow you to explore the nature reserve and the mountain on which it sits. A ‘talking trails’ route takes you along an east path featuring ‘poetry points, where Scottish poetry can be heard in both English and Gaelic by turning a wheel.

A relatively flat but long (9 mile) walk along a well-maintained path leads you from the main road to Coire Mhic Fheachair. This spectacular corrie – a bowl-shaped valley carved from the mountainside by ice – is spectacularly dramatic, as the ‘triple buttress’ cliffs rise above a lochan in the base of the corrie. This was the site of the tragedy of the 1951 Lancaster plane crash that led to the formation of the modern-day mountain rescue teams, and debris from the plane can still be seen in the corrie today.

Beinn Eighe is just one of several truly unique and spectacular mountains in the area. Liathach, to its south west, challenges mountaineers with technical scrambles and a long day of high climbs and stunning views. Beinn Alligin is smaller and less technical, but do not underestimate its rugged climb involving light scrambling, and long ridge traverse. The views from the top are unparalleled however, and all three of these giants are among the favourites of many Scottish mountaineers. Another popular hill to climb is Slioch, a distinctive, rugged outcrop overlooking the waters of Loch Maree.

Loch Maree is Scotland’s fourth-largest loch, surrounded by rugged scenery and with ancient pine-forested islands sitting in its waters, and is widely considered to be one of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs. Between the 7th and 8th centuries, Máel Ruba arrived here and founded a chapel on Isle Maree, the remains of which are still visible today. The loch was visited later by Queen Victoria, which led to it becoming a popular Victorian destination and a nearby waterfall being named “Victoria Falls”. The loch is of international importance for wildlife, including black-throated diver, otters, dragonflies and salmon.

There is a small, well-stocked shop in Kinlochewe as well as a service station with licensed grocer and café. There are larger food stores to the north in Gairloch. The nearest supermarket is 39 miles away in Dingwall and so you may want to stock up before you head west, although we strongly recommend shopping local where possible. There is a campsite and hotel and B&B accommodation.

If you’re looking for quintessential rugged Highland scenery, unrivalled hillwalking and mountaineering and some of Scotland’s best wildlife spotting opportunities, head to Kinlochewe. You’ll find endless opportunities for getting out and about, whether it’s a lochside stroll or a challenging hike that you’re looking for.