Lochan an lasgaich, Sgurr Dubh and Loch Clair Loop

This 17 km / 10.6 mile loop in the Coulin Forest of Wester Ross makes a fine intermediate mountain day, combining a quiet lochside approach with rougher hill terrain around Sgùrr Dubh and the smaller lochans above Loch Clair. With around 800 m / 2,625 ft of ascent, it is best treated as a full outing rather than a casual circuit, especially if the ground is wet, visibility is poor, or there is wind on the higher slopes. The route sits in classic Torridon scenery, with Loch Clair below and the great sandstone bulk of Liathach dominating the skyline across the water. Loch Clair lies about 3 miles / 5 km southwest of Kinlochewe in Wester Ross, and the usual access is from the A896 near the junction for Coulin Lodge and Loch Clair. (en.wikipedia.org)

The nearest practical landmark for the start is the small roadside parking area on the A896 opposite the minor road to Coulin Lodge and Loch Clair, near Kinlochewe, Highland, Scotland. That is the most commonly described access point for walks around Loch Clair and Loch Coulin, and it places hikers close to the lochside road used at the beginning or end of this circuit. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

By car, the approach is straightforward from Kinlochewe on the A896 toward Torridon, using the layby or small car park opposite the Coulin Lodge turnoff. Parking is limited, so early arrival is wise in good weather. By public transport, the nearest rail access is Achnashellach station on the Kyle of Lochalsh line, though it is not right at the trailhead; from there, rights of way and estate tracks connect into the Coulin area, but this adds distance and planning complexity. There is also a limited local bus service in the Achnashellach area, and transport in this part of Wester Ross is sparse enough that timetables should be checked carefully before committing to a same-day return. HiiKER is the best tool to use for mapping the exact line of the route and judging whether a car start near Loch Clair or a rail-linked approach from Achnashellach makes more sense for your day. (forestryandland.gov.scot)

The opening section is usually the gentlest part of the day. Tracks and estate roads near Loch Clair allow a relatively easy warm-up, with broad views over the water and into the surrounding hills. This lower ground can feel deceptively simple compared with what follows: once the route leaves the easier lochside terrain and begins climbing toward Sgùrr Dubh, the character changes to rough hillwalking over uneven, often pathless or faintly tracked ground. Expect boggy patches, heather, rock, and sections where line choice matters more than speed. Even with only a medium difficulty rating, this is not a manicured trail; it is a Highland mountain circuit where conditions underfoot can slow progress considerably. Sources describing Sgùrr Dubh in Coulin repeatedly note its rugged terrain, scattered lochans, and complex ground. (stevenfallon.co.uk)

Terrain and route character

From the lochside, the climb toward Sgùrr Dubh builds steadily rather than all at once. Over the first several kilometres, hikers gain height through a mixture of grassy slopes, heathery benches, and rocky sections. A useful planning assumption is that the first 5 to 7 km / 3 to 4.5 miles contain much of the day’s climbing, with the steepest work concentrated on the mountain approach itself. The summit of Sgùrr Dubh is modest by Torridon standards at about 782 m / 2,566 ft, but the surrounding landscape makes it feel much bigger, and the views are expansive when the cloud lifts. (stevenfallon.co.uk)

The upper ground is where preparation matters most. In clear weather, the route is scenic and rewarding, with chains of small lochans and open views over Loch Clair, Coulin Forest, and the Torridon giants beyond. In mist, however, the same terrain can become confusing. The hill country around Sgùrr Dubh and nearby tops has been described as absorbingly complex, with bare rock and intricate undulations that can make navigation more demanding than the map