Glas Bheinn, Dubh Bheinn and Allt a Mhaim Waterfall Loop

This 11 km / 6.8 mile mountain loop in Assynt packs a lot into a relatively short day: a steep climb onto rough upland ground, two rounded summits, and a dramatic waterfall setting in one of the wildest corners of the north-west Highlands. With around 600 metres / 1,970 feet of ascent, it sits well in the medium category, but the terrain can make it feel harder than the numbers suggest, especially in wind, rain, or poor visibility. The route is centered on Glas Bheinn, with Dubh Bheinn adding a quieter, more rugged feel, while the waterfall section brings you close to the edge of the deeply cut landscape above Glen Coul and Loch Beag. Glas Bheinn itself rises to 776 metres / 2,546 feet and is known for its broad, stony upper slopes and far-reaching views across Assynt. (mudandroutes.com)

The start is near the roadside parking area on the A894 by Unapool, close to Kylesku in Sutherland. A commonly used starting point for Glas Bheinn is the lay-by and parking area at grid reference NC233274, which is on the A894 a short drive east of Kylesku and west of Inchnadamph. The nearest practical landmark to use for planning is the A894 roadside parking near Unapool, not far from the junctions serving Kylesku and Lochinver. Facilities are limited at the trailhead itself; the nearest toilets and refreshments are generally at Kylesku, while Lochinver, about 20 km / 12.4 miles away, has broader services including shops, cafés, fuel, and public conveniences. (mudandroutes.com)

If arriving by car, the A894 is the key access road through this part of Assynt. Parking is usually informal roadside parking rather than a developed trailhead, so arrive prepared and avoid blocking passing places or gates. Public transport is much more limited. This is a remote Highland route, and bus options in Assynt can be infrequent and seasonal, so anyone relying on public transport should check current regional services into Kylesku, Lochinver, or Inchnadamph before committing. In practice, most hikers reach the start by car or taxi from nearby villages. For route planning on the ground, HiiKER is the best tool to use for confirming the loop line, junctions, and timing. (mudandroutes.com)

Terrain and route character

The opening section is usually straightforward enough to follow, beginning on a rough path before branching onto fainter ground beneath the western side of Glas Bheinn. After roughly 700 metres / 0.4 miles, the route steepens noticeably as it heads for a grassy gully between rock ribs. This is one of the key effort points of the day: the climb is short in overall distance but gains height quickly, and the footing can be loose, grassy, and slick when wet. Mud and Routes notes that the initial ascent involves steep grass and loose rock, with extra care needed on descent, particularly in wet or icy conditions. (mudandroutes.com)

Once above the steep pull, the character changes. The gradient eases onto a broad, rocky plateau with scattered boulders, small cairns, and a more open mountain feel. From here the route becomes less about sustained climbing and more about steady movement over broken ground, small rises, and rough upland surfaces. Even though the loop is not especially long, this kind of terrain slows progress, so it is wise to allow more time than the distance alone suggests. UKHillwalking describes the area as rough going throughout, with an isolated feel that makes it more serious than it first appears on paper. (ukhillwalking.com)

The section around the corrie rim is one of the most memorable parts of the outing. The path passes close to the edge of Choire Dheirg, where the land drops away into a corrie with a loch tucked below the headwall. In clear weather this is a superb viewpoint, but in mist or strong wind it demands caution, especially if the ground is greasy. The upper mountain is broad enough that navigation can become awkward when cloud