Baosbheinn, Ceann Beag and Loch na h - Oudhche Loop

This is a long, wild hill circuit in Wester Ross that links the broad whale-backed mass of Baosbheinn with Ceann Beag and the lonely basin of Loch na h-Oidhche. At around 23 km / 14.3 miles with roughly 900 m / 2,950 ft of ascent, it sits firmly in the “medium” bracket only for hikers who are already comfortable with rough, pathless Highland terrain, river crossings, and navigation in poor visibility. The outing is not especially technical in dry, calm weather, but it is serious because of its remoteness, the amount of off-path ground, and the way mist can erase the shape of the ridges and bealachs surprisingly quickly. The usual start is from the small roadside parking area known locally as the Red Barn / green shed on the A832, west of Kinlochewe and east of Gairloch, near the approach track for Loch na h-Oidhche. Baosbheinn itself rises to 875 m / 2,871 ft, with Ceann Beag forming the lower southeastern shoulder of the ridge. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The first part of the route is generally the easiest underfoot. From the roadside start, a track heads inward across lower ground, crossing the outflow from Am Feur-loch by bridge before continuing toward the hills. This opening section gives a gradual build-up, with the northern buttresses of Baosbheinn becoming more prominent as height is gained. The terrain then becomes rougher and less defined as the route works around the hillock of Meall Lochan na Geala and toward the crossing of the Abhainn Loch na h-Oidhche, where stepping stones or a more awkward crossing may be involved depending on water levels. After wet weather, this is one of the key points to assess carefully, because the return side of the circuit can also be affected by swollen burns and boggy ground. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Climbing toward Ceann Beag and Baosbheinn

Once beyond the lower track, the character changes from approach walk to open hill journey. The ascent toward Ceann Beag is broad and grassy at first, but the line can be confusing in mist, especially near the bealach where the ridge breaks off into craggier ground. This is one of the places where careful map reading matters most. If you are planning digitally, HiiKER is the tool to have prepared in advance, because there are stretches where the “path” is really just a best line across grass, heather, and stony patches rather than a worn trail on the ground.

From Ceann Beag, the ridge toward Baosbheinn becomes more dramatic and more rewarding. The summit ridge is long and undulating, with several tops and wide views that open over Loch Maree, Flowerdale Forest, and the surrounding Torridon hills when the weather cooperates. Although Baosbheinn is often overshadowed by the better-known Torridon giants, it has a very distinctive shape and a sense of space that feels more remote than many higher peaks. The ridge is mostly a hillwalker’s ridge rather than a scramble, but it demands attention in wind because the broad crest narrows in places and the drops become more obvious as you move between tops. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Expect the full circuit to take roughly 6 to 9 hours, depending on pace, ground conditions, and how efficiently you navigate the off-path sections. In dry weather the route feels like a big, satisfying mountain round; in wet or windy conditions it can become much slower than the distance alone suggests. (en.wikipedia.org)

Loch na h-Oidhche and the return ground

The section around Loch na h-Oidhche gives the route much of its atmosphere. The loch sits in a lonely hollow beneath the hills, and the descent toward it often feels more committing than the map suggests because the ground can be uneven, wet, and broken by peat hags or small watercourses. This is where many hikers lose time. The lochside itself is a major landmark and a useful visual checkpoint, but it should not be mistaken for easy walking: the surrounding terrain can be boggy, and route choice matters.

The return leg usually involves rough pathless ground and another close look at water levels. After prolonged rain, burns draining the corries and the loch can become the crux of the day. Even when the hills are straightforward above, the lower crossings can dictate whether the loop is sensible. Good waterproofs, spare warm layers, and enough food for a longer-than-pl