This part of Ross-shire offers great walking. It is possible to make ascents of a number of Munros and Corbetts directly from the house. Coulags bridge, the starting point to walks over to Torridon is in view of the house. However, there are easy walks up the valley and you can always sit in the garden and simply admire the scenery and wild life.
Good detailed guide books to local walks:
Peter Barton "Torridon, a walkers guide"
Martin Moran "Lochcarron Wester Ross A guide to local Walks"
Mary Welsh and Christine Isherwood "Walking Wester Ross" (Clan Guides 3)
Walks in Wester Ross - shorter routes
Arineckaig - the fanc (sheep fold)
There is a good network of well maintained paths along the River Carron in addition to coastal walks. There is much wildlife to see, the occasional fisherman and great peaceful picnicing spots. Various suggestions follow.
OS Map 429 Glen Carron and West Monar
Route A About 1hour - 1hour 30mins
Park at the Coulags Bridge layby (GR 956452) and then go through the gate on the excellent bridleway path SSW along Fionn-abhainn past small lochans. Dippers are often to be seen hopping in and out of the river here. When the road forks take the left hand bridle track and cross the railway line using the crossing point. The follow the River Carron along a clear path, being careful of one place where the path has fallen into the river. The scenery is lovely moorland covered in heather, great views of the mountains and in spring herds of stags. The path finally curves left and back towards the road on a clear bridleway track, which again uses an official railway crossing point to rejoin the main raod between Hazelbank and Coulags. Return to your starting point along the road.
Route B
Park at the picnic site at 946445 on the A890 cross the road and go through the deer gate and then take the well-marked trail through the forest westwards towards Strathcarron. You will come to New Kelso farm formerly a linen mill set up to provide employment. In August sheep dog trails are held here. By walking along a stretch of the main road it is possible to get refreshment at the Strathcarron Hotel. Either return by the same route or along the main road. Deer can often be seen grazing in early evening in the fields to the North of the road and an owl and buzzards are often seen.
Route C
The deserted village of Arineckaig. Go Strathcarron and then take the small minor road east along Glen Carron. Decide how far you want to walk and park accordingly along the minor road, but avoiding the passing places; a good starting point is the end of the tarmaced road GR 970444. The road runs along the valley with pleasant views of Fuar Tholl and the Torridon mountains. The unmetalled road runs through birch woodland with grazing cows and sheep and on occasions deer. At the end of the track is the settlement of Arineckaig with sheep folds, stores and housing. The villagers apparently came to Arineckaig from the over crowded lands of Craig. The village gradually emptied in the C19th and was last inhabited in about 1920.
Route D
For those wanting to learn a little more about the wild life and the environment of the area the Woodland Walk at Beinn Eighe may be what you are looking for. There is a 1.5 km walk from the lochside car park. It is fairly easy walking but does have a few rocky steps and steep sections. An hour will allow you to walk the route. The route takes you through an area of Caledonian woodland.
Route E
A nice area for woodland walks and also for biking is the forest at Craig near Achnashellach. There is a small sign posted carpark with information boards. To do the walks cross the road and the railway line. Martin Moran's book has a number of suggestions about routes to take - Golden Valley. The Forestry Commission are gradually encouraging the return of pockets of Caledonian woodland with the associated flora and fauna.
A useful link is below:
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/torridon/lochcarron.shtml
