Carn a' Ghobhair, Sgurr an Eilein Ghiubhais and Loch Eireagoraidh Loop

This 14 km / 8.7 mile loop in the Mallaig area gives a very Highland mix of terrain: a straightforward start on estate track and moorland path, a rougher and often boggy middle section, then a steeper hillier circuit taking in Carn a’ Ghobhair and Sgurr an Eilein Ghiubhais before returning by Loch Eireagoraidh. With around 600 m / 1,970 ft of ascent, it fits a solid medium-grade day for hikers who are comfortable with wet ground, intermittent path definition, and short steeper climbs rather than technical scrambling. The route begins near Glasnacardoch, about 1 km / 0.6 mile south of Mallaig on the A830, close to the signed start for Loch Eireagoraidh near Glasnacardoch House, PH41 4RH. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The opening section is usually the easiest underfoot. From the signed start, the route heads under the railway and out across open moorland on a clear track and path. Early on, the landscape feels broad and exposed rather than mountainous, with peat, heather, rough grass and scattered rock setting the tone. Loch an Nostarie is reached after roughly 2 km / 1.2 miles, and this is one of the first notable landmarks on the outing. Beyond here, conditions typically become much wetter, with braided trods, boggy patches and sections where the main line of travel is less obvious. This is the point where careful navigation matters most, and HiiKER is the tool to have ready before setting out. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Terrain and route character

After Loch an Nostarie, the route trends inland toward Loch Eireagoraidh through increasingly rough ground. Existing local route descriptions for the approach to Loch Eireagoraidh note very boggy stretches, occasional marker posts, a crossing of the Allt a’ Bhainne, a deer fence gate, and sections where the path fades badly in wet moorland. Even on a fine day, this part can feel slow for the distance, so time estimates should be generous. Waterproof footwear, gaiters in wetter months, and spare warm layers are sensible because the ground can be saturated and the area is very exposed to wind. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

As the loop rises toward the hills, the character changes from moorland walking to a more defined upland outing. Carn a’ Ghobhair is the higher and broader objective in this circuit, with Sgurr an Eilein Ghiubhais forming a lower but very worthwhile neighboring summit. Sgurr an Eilein Ghiubhais stands at 522 m / 1,713 ft, while local Mallaig walking information identifies nearby Sgurr Eireagoraidh at 548 m / 1,798 ft above the loch. Expect steeper grassy and rocky slopes here, with the ascent feeling more sustained than the earlier approach. In poor visibility, the rounded ground and multiple minor ridges can make line-finding awkward, especially on descent back toward the loch. (mudandroutes.com)

Landmarks, views, and what to notice

Loch Eireagoraidh is one of the defining features of the day. It sits in a lonely, enclosed setting beneath the surrounding hills and serves as part of the water supply for Mallaig and Morar; local route notes mention hydro infrastructure, a small weir, and a concrete cistern near the loch. That practical purpose adds an interesting human layer to what otherwise feels like a very remote landscape. Earlier on the approach, hikers may also spot the remains of a World War II Bren Gun carrier, reportedly used during construction work connected with Mallaig’s water supply. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Views are a major reward throughout the higher part of the loop. On clearer days, the outlook opens westward toward the sea, Mallaig, and the islands beyond, with Rum specifically noted from the