Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail
Highlands
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve was designated Britain's first NNR in 1951, and the Mountain Trail that climbs from its ancient Caledonian pinewood along the loch shore to the upper quartzite plateau is among the finest mountain walks in Wester Ross. The route begins through a remnant pinewood of twisted, gnarled Scots pines growing from a boulder-strewn shore, ascends steeply through heather and rock to a ridge at around 550 metres, and then follows the quartzite scree crests to the summit viewpoint looking over Loch Maree and the full sweep of the Torridon massif. The quartzite geology gives the upper section a bleached, otherworldly quality unlike the dark gabbro of nearby Torridon.
This is a superb but demanding dog friendly walk that rewards fit, experienced dogs. The ancient pinewood at the base offers excellent scent interest and moderate off-lead opportunity, while the open moorland and ridge above provides wide-ranging freedom. The quartzite scree on the upper section is rough underfoot and hard on paws; monitoring paw condition on descent is advisable. Livestock risk is low throughout. The panorama from the upper viewpoints takes in Loch Maree, Slioch, the Fisherfield wilderness and the complete Torridon skyline and is one of the finest mountain views available at this elevation in Scotland. Kinlochewe a short drive away offers café, pub and shop.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.4 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Woodland, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail dog friendly?
Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail is rated 9 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it one of the better mountain walks in the Highlands for dogs. Livestock risk is low throughout the route, which is a real bonus on a trail of this length and character. That said, it's a demanding walk best suited to fit, experienced dogs rather than puppies or older dogs who struggle with rough terrain.
Can dogs be off lead at Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail?
There are good off-lead opportunities on this trail, particularly through the ancient Caledonian pinewood at the base and across the open moorland and ridge above. The low livestock risk throughout the route means you can give your dog a fair amount of freedom. On the upper quartzite scree sections, it's worth keeping an eye on your dog's footing as the terrain is rough and uneven.
What should I know before visiting Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail with my dog?
This is a serious mountain walk that climbs to around 550 metres over quartzite scree, so it's best reserved for fit, experienced dogs with good trail stamina. The quartzite on the upper section is particularly rough underfoot and hard on paws, so it's worth checking paw condition on the descent. Kinlochewe is just a short drive away if you need to pick up supplies before heading out, and offers a café, pub and shop.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
Beinn Eighe NNR Coille na Glas-leitir Car Park, A832, Kinlochewe, IV22 2PA
57.5995, -5.3712
Get DirectionsWhat’s Nearby?
Walk0 mi awayLoch Maree Shoreline Walk (Beinn Eighe)
Highlands
One of Scotland's finest easy dog walks: ancient Caledonian pinewood above the shores of Loch Maree with excellent off-lead potential and multiple swimming spots in exceptionally clear water.
Walk4.6 mi awayTorridon Ridge: Liathach via Coire Dubh
Highlands
Liathach is one of the most imposing mountains in Scotland and the Coire Dubh route traverses beneath its mighty sandstone terraces, making this a serious but spectacular outing for experienced hill dogs only.
Walk14.8 mi awayCorrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach
Highlands
A short, dramatic walk to one of Scotland's most impressive box canyons, where the Falls of Measach drop 46 metres into a gorge hung with ferns and mosses, viewed from a Victorian suspension bridge.
Walk15.9 mi awayBealach na Ba Summit Walk, Applecross
Highlands
The summit plateau above one of Scotland's most spectacular mountain passes gives an outstanding off-lead moorland walk with panoramic views across the Inner Sound to Raasay and Skye.
Walk23.1 mi awayEilean Donan Castle and Loch Duich Shore Walk
Highlands
Scotland's most photographed castle provides the backdrop for a lochside circular combining sea-loch swimming for dogs with moderate off-lead woodland walking beneath the Kintail mountains.
Walk26.2 mi awayLoch Affric Circular Walk
Highlands
Glen Affric is the most beautiful glen in Scotland; this full loch circuit through ancient Caledonian pinewoods delivers exceptional off-lead walking, unlimited loch swimming and total Highland immersion.
