Loch Mhuilinn, Sandwood Loch and Loch Mor a' Chraisg Loop

This long, low-level loop explores one of the wildest corners of mainland Scotland, linking the broad approach track to Sandwood Bay with quieter loch-side ground around Loch Mhuilinn and Loch Mòr a’ Chraisg. At around 23 km / 14.3 miles with roughly 300 m / 985 ft of ascent, it is not especially steep, but it is a serious outing because of its remoteness, exposure to Atlantic weather, and the likelihood of wet, rough, or faint sections away from the main Sandwood path. The start is at the Blairmore car park near Kinlochbervie, on the road toward Oldshoremore and Sheigra, which is the recognised access point for Sandwood Bay. (walkingbritain.co.uk)

Reaching the start is straightforward by car but much less flexible by public transport. Drivers usually approach via the A838 and B801 through Kinlochbervie, then continue to Blairmore, where there is a small but well-known car park used for Sandwood Bay walkers. Public transport in this far north-west corner is limited; Kinlochbervie is served by long-distance bus links in the region, and local onward options can include the Kinlochbervie dial-a-bus area service, so anyone arriving without a car should check current timetables carefully before committing to the walk. (walkingbritain.co.uk)

The opening kilometres are usually the easiest underfoot. From Blairmore, the route follows the well-made estate track westward across open moorland toward Sandwood Bay. This section is gently undulating rather than hilly, so the climbing comes in small increments rather than one sustained pull. Expect wide views, peatland, lochans, and a feeling of space almost immediately. In clear weather the landscape can feel open and inviting; in mist, it becomes much more committing, so having the route loaded in HiiKER is especially useful once you leave the obvious main track. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

After roughly 6 to 7 km / 3.7 to 4.3 miles, the route reaches the area around Loch Mhuilinn, where the broad approach begins to narrow and the terrain starts to feel more natural and less engineered. This is a key transition point on the day. The loch itself sits in a lonely sweep of moor and wet ground, and the surrounding area is notable not just for scenery but for ecology and archaeology. NatureScot identifies Loch a’ Mhuilinn as a protected site, and the wider Ardvar and Loch a’ Mhuilinn woodlands area is recognised for important habitats. Trove Scotland also records archaeological remains here, including two stone-walled huts and a minor field system, evidence that even this now-isolated landscape once supported small-scale settlement or seasonal use. (nature.scot)

Toward Sandwood Loch and the coast

Continuing on, the route works out toward Sandwood Loch and the coast beyond. Sandwood Bay is one of the great landmarks of the north-west Highlands: a long sweep of sand backed by dunes and freshwater, with the sea stack Am Buachaille standing offshore to the south. The approach is famous because the coast appears only late in the walk, so the reveal can feel dramatic after the inland moor crossing. The bay is roadless and reached only on foot from Blairmore. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

This coastal section is where conditions can change the character of the day most sharply. Even on an “easy” route profile, strong wind, driving rain, and saturated ground can make progress slower than expected. The beach and dune margins are beautiful but exposed, and if the loop uses less-trodden lines around the lochs rather than simply returning by the main track, expect boggier footing and less distinct path definition. Waterproof footwear, spare layers, and conservative timing matter more here than the modest elevation figure suggests. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Wildlife is one of the pleasures of this area. Depending on season and luck, hikers may see seabirds working the coast, waders around the loch margins, and raptors quartering the moor. The lochs, marshy edges, and dune systems create a varied set of habitats