Coire Mor and Beinn Stumanadh Loop

This medium-grade loop explores the quieter eastern side of Loch Loyal in north Sutherland, climbing Beinn Stumanadh and circling back through Coire Mòr on a route of roughly 8 km / 5 miles with about 400 m / 1,300 ft of ascent. The start is best described as the roadside parking area and path near Loch Loyal Lodge on the A836, south-east of Tongue, close to the footbridge and track leading toward Achnanclach Bothy. Beinn Stumanadh itself rises to 527 m / 1,729 ft on the east side of Loch Loyal. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

From the roadside, the route usually begins on a clear path heading in toward the loch and footbridge, with easy ground at first before the hill starts to show its shape. Early on, expect a mix of estate track, grassy path and wetter patches, especially after rain. This is a compact outing in distance, but the climb is direct enough that it feels like a proper hillwalk rather than a casual lochside stroll. User route reports for this hill describe outings of around 7 km / 4.3 miles with 460 m / 1,509 ft of ascent, which fits well with your stated figures and suggests a short but fairly energetic day. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Terrain and route character

The ascent steepens once you leave the lower track and commit to the hillside above Coire Mòr. Ground conditions can vary a lot: lower sections may be peaty or boggy, while the upper slopes are generally grassy, heathery and at times rough underfoot. There may also be deer fences, faint ATV lines, and less distinct path sections higher up, so this is a route where confident navigation matters in poor visibility. Walk reports mention using the ridge and spur lines to gain the summit and descending by Coire na Caileig or back toward the gate in Coire Mòr, which gives a good sense of the hill’s broad, rounded but still route-sensitive terrain. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Although the difficulty is only moderate on paper, the main things that can raise the seriousness are wind, mist, wet ground, and the remoteness of the setting. This part of Sutherland feels open and sparsely populated, and weather can change quickly. On a clear day the hill is straightforward enough for experienced walkers using HiiKER alongside map skills, but in clag the broad ridges and corries can become much less obvious. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Landmarks, views, and what to watch for

One of the biggest rewards is the changing perspective over Loch Loyal, with the dramatic bulk of Ben Loyal dominating many views across the water. Beinn Stumanadh is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, but it is well known as an excellent viewpoint in its own right on the east side of the loch. From higher up, the landscape opens into a classic far-north Highland scene of long lochs, rounded moorland, rocky ridges and a striking sense of space. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

A notable feature on or near the route is Achnanclach Bothy, a simple mountain shelter reached by the lochside path. Even if your loop does not require going all the way to it, it is an important landmark for orientation in the glen. Reports describe it as a well-maintained shelter and a useful reference point when moving between the lower track, Coire Mòr and