An Aird Peninsula, Shieldaig Walking

Even on a hillwalking holiday you might not want to make every walk a big one, and there's lots to be said for rest days and poor-weather alternatives. Of the many fantastic low-level options around Applecross and Torridon, An Aird stands out as a highlight. Jutting into Loch Torridon, this rugged little peninsula combines impressive mountain views and mostly easy walking, offering a lovely circuit from the postcard-perfect village of Shieldaig.

Beinn Bhan from An Aird  © Dan Bailey - UKHillwalking.com
Beinn Bhan from An Aird
Fetching Map

Detailed description

1
NG8160754259 From the waterfront in Shieldaig follow the road north, uphill to the primary school at a hairpin bend. From here a track passes the school, then bends left past the grass sports pitch and a little crag (logged on UKClimbing). At a junction stay right. The track now runs broadly north onto the hummocky, rocky, part-wooded peninsula. Pass above two little bays (good swimming).

2
NG8154355336 At a junction turn left onto a narrower footpath. This climbs over slabby rocks (painted arrows mark the direction), winds through birch woods, then makes a short and slightly scrambly descent into a broad open area. Continue heading north to rejoin the vehicle track.

3
NG8126455960 Just before reaching a large green shed and small house (private residence, not a bothy), turn off left to follow a muddy footpath out onto the craggy little headland at the north end of the bay of Camas Ruaidh. This is a fantastic viewpoint looking over the narrows of Loch Torridon to the craggy landscape on its north side. Return to the vehicle track, pass left of the shed, and descend steeply to a little slipway and fishing bothy on the rocky shoreline (good swimming, can be a bit tidal through the channel).

4
NG8129856114 Head back uphill towards the shed, turning left to follow the footpath up a short chain-assisted rock step onto the heathery ground above the house. From here the path, a little soggy underfoot, weaves west. At a trail junction you can take either fork, but the more exploratory way is left, descending a steep slippy slope into birch woods to reach a meadow and white-painted house at Bad Callda.

5
NG8159256025 Turning inland, follow the track south, passing through the knolls in the middle of the peninsula with views of the Torridon hills and a nearby fish farm. Before reaching the obvious bay of Camas an Leim the track curves right, bringing you back to the junction of stage 2. Now just retrace your steps to Shieldaig.

This has been viewed 1,280 times


Further Routes

by Dan Bailey UKH



Loading Notifications...
Facebook Twitter Copy Email