Hill: Beinn Eilideach (via Ullapool Hill)
Date: Wednesday 26th May 2010
Company: Just me
Dog friendly: Yes
Time: 4Hrs 10Mins

Beinn Eilideach can be ascended easily and quickly, from Leckmelm approx 5km from Ullapool. However, on reviewing the map, I noticed that it could also potentially be climbed from Ullapool, via Ullapool Hill. I opted for this route as I was keen to see Ullapool from Ullapool Hill. Note: Ullapool Hill is called Meall Mor on the 1:25000 map.

Click here to see a map of the route undertaken

I started walking from the centre of Ullapool.

Beinn Eilideach from Ullapool:


To get to the start of the Ullapool Hill path, walk along North Road and take a right at the sign for “Ullapool Hill Path”. To get to the summit of Ullapool Hill follow the red way-markers or simply head up.

Follow sign for Ullapool Hill Path:


Start of Ullapool Hill Path:


The path up Ullapool Hill is a good quality path. The path winds its way up through lots of bright yellow broom. There are numerous benches on the way up should you feel the need for a rest.

Ullapool from Viewpoint on Ullapool Hill:


toposcope on Ullapool Hill:


Ullapool's website suggests, “Allow 2 hours to get to the top”. I reached the top in 36 minutes. I wasn't going fast and I stopped to take numerous photos en-route. Perhaps the 2 hours would however be necessary for a particularly slow snail.

Ullapool Hill:


Ullapool Hill is a nice wee hill with great views for the amount of effort required.

Summer Isles:


Beinn Ghobhlach:


Ben More Coigach:


Summit of Ullapool Hill, Beinn Eilideach in distance:


Ullapool from summit of Ullapool Hill (zoomed):


From the summit of Ullapool Hill, I made for Maol Calaisceig. There is no path beyond the top of Ullapool Hill. At the col between Ullapool Hill and Maol Calaisceig there is a 6ft deer fence. This fence is dog-friendly, as there is a small hinged gate at the bottom. The fence is not however people-friendly as there is no stile. You need to either climb the fence or crawl through the hinged gate. I went through the hinged gate.

Dog-friendly deer fence:


Loch Achall:


Beinn Eilideach from Maol Calaisceig:


From Maol Calaisceig, I tried to pick a line that would lose as little height as possible. There are quite a few ups and downs between Maol Calaisceig and Beinn Eilideach and quite a few hags, albeit they were very dry today.

Beinn Eilideach:


Ascending Beinn Eilideach:


Lochans at 480m on Beinn Eilideach:


As more and more height is gained, more and more hills come in to view. Stac Pollaidh, Suilven, ...

Coigach:


Ullapool looked quite small from the summit of Beinn Eilideach. Loch Broom and Ullapool from summit of Beinn Eilideach:


Summit shelter of Beinn Eilideach:


An Teallach from summit of Beinn Eilideach:


I opted to descend towards Leckmelm from the summit. The descent was very easy, down grassy slopes and then via a land-rover track.

Leckmelm:


I have included the following photo in case anyone wants to know which track to take from Leckmelm to get up through the trees. Once in the field take a left following the "Viewpoint" track. The nearest parking at Leckmelm is a few hundred metres away in lay-bys on the A835 towards Ullapool.

Start of walk (if starting from Leckmelm):


The walk back along the A835 was a bit tedious and hard on the feet.

Ullapool from A835:


Was nice to get back into Ullapool and visit the Ferry Boat Inn to re-hydrate.
Ferry Boat Inn, Ullapool: