Rubha Beag, Meall Leac an Fhaobhair and Loch Dubh Geodhachan Tharailt Loop

This easy coastal loop explores the low, undulating ground north of Mellon Udrigle, starting near Camas a’ Charraig, Mellon Udrigle, Laide, Ross-shire, Highland, IV22 2NT—the nearest clear landmark and access point for the route. The walk is short at about 4 km / 2.5 miles with roughly 100–110 metres / 330–360 feet of ascent, but it feels pleasantly varied thanks to sandy shoreline, rough coastal grassland, peatier moor, small knolls, and a straightforward inland return track. The usual start is from the minor road and parking area by Camas a’ Charraig at NG 890959, just outside the hamlet. (sobt.co.uk)

The first part of the route is the most scenic and the least formal. From the beachside start, the loop heads north along the coast on a path that can be faint in places, with some boggy or soft sections underfoot. Although the difficulty is generally easy, this is not a manicured trail: expect uneven ground, damp patches after rain, and occasional route-finding decisions across open moorland. On a clear day, the setting opens out quickly, with wide views across Gruinard Bay toward the Summer Isles, Coigach, and the mountains around Little Loch Broom and Loch Broom. (sobt.co.uk)

What the route feels like

The loop links a series of small coastal high points rather than one sustained climb. Rubha Beag itself is a low headland, and one of the first notable rises is Meall na Creige Mòire, a modest summit with a cairn and excellent sea views. The ascent is short and gentle, only around 30 metres / 100 feet from nearby ground, but it gives a much broader perspective over the peninsula than the map might suggest. From there, the terrain becomes more open and wilder in character, with cotton grass and peatland giving the route a distinctly northwestern Highland feel. (walkingenglishman.com)

Continuing east and southeast, the walk passes the dramatic coastal outcrops of Geodhachan Tharailt, where low cliffs and jagged rocky fingers reach toward the sea. This is one of the most striking sections of the loop and a place to slow down, especially in windy weather when the coast feels more exposed. Nearby sits Loch Dubh Geodhachan Tharailt, a small freshwater loch or marshy pool set just inland at about 57.9111, -5.5611. (walkingenglishman.com)

The second main rise is Meall Leac an Fhaobhair, another small hill crowned by a cairn. The climb is again brief, roughly 40 metres / 130 feet from the lower ground nearby, but it is enough to create another fine viewpoint over the coast and mainland hills. After this, the route turns south and picks up an inland track, making the return easier and quicker than the outward coastal leg. (walkingenglishman.com)

Terrain, navigation, and what to watch for

Despite the easy rating, this is best approached as a rough coastal circuit rather than a parkland stroll. Waterproof footwear is useful because the moorland sections can be wet, and gaiters can be worthwhile after prolonged rain. Wind can be a bigger factor than steepness here; the headland and cliff-edge sections are low but exposed, so extra care is sensible in gusty conditions. There are also stretches where the path becomes indistinct, particularly between the small summits and the coastal features, so having the route loaded in HiiKER is the simplest way to stay on line. (sobt.co.uk)

Because the route begins beside a popular beach, the opening and closing sections can feel gentle and family-friendly, but the middle section is more rugged. Hikers should be prepared for: - boggy ground and hidden wet patches - rough grass and heather underfoot - uneven coastal edges near rocky inlets