Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail

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.