Hill: Beinn an Eoin
Date: Friday 7th February 2014
Company: Just myself
Distance: 10km, Ascent: 650m
Time: 3Hrs 40Mins


The North-West Highlands weather forecast for Friday looked better in the afternoon, so a reasonably late start saw me arrive at the starting point for around 11.00am. I parked in a lay-by at the east end of Loch Lurgainn where there is room for two cars.

Click here to see a map of the route undertaken

It was fantastic to set off walking with blue sky overhead instead of the almost constant grey cloud, rain and wind of recent months.

Cioch Beinn an Eoin, Beinn an Eoin and Sgorr Tuath from start of walk:


It was nice to see Stac Pollaidh from across Loch Lurgain and Feur-Loch. Stac Pollaidh is an outstanding small mountain.

Stac Pollaidh:


Stac Pollaidh:


After skirting round the end of Feur-Loch, I followed a faint track alongside the Allt Claonaidh for almost two kilometres. The ground was very wet underfoot.

Looking towards Cioch Beinn an Eoin:


Looking back to Stac Pollaidh and Cul Beag:


Cul Beag:


I eventually crossed over the Allt Claonaidh and made my way up to gain the ridge at the col between Cioch Beinn an Eoin and Beinn an Eoin. On reaching the ridge I got fantastic views across into Assynt. I took several photos whilst at the col.

Stac Pollaidh, Suilven, Cul Mor and Cul Beag:


Stac Pollaidh and Suilven:


Assynt Panorama:


From the col, I made my way along the ridge towards Beinn an Eoin.

Looking back along ridge towards Cioch Beinn an Eoin:


Had I set off earlier in the day, I would have been keen to also ascend Sgorr Thuath. Today would just be an up and back ascent of Beinn an Eoin.

Sgorr Tuath:


Ascending Beinn an Eoin:


Looking across Loch Lurgainn:


A short distance further along the ridge provided a great viewpoint across to Sgurr an Fhidhleir. I believe there is an HVS climb up this steep rocky ridge. This brought back memories of another good day out in Coigach ascending Ben Mor Coigach and Sgurr an Fhidhleir.

Sgurr an Fhidhleir:


View from airy summit of Sgurr an Fhidhleir looking across to Beinn an Eoin (Aug 2011):


Looking back along Beinn an Eoin ridge:


Stac Pollaidh above Sgorr Tuath:


By the time I approached the summit of Beinn an Eoin, the nice blue sky overhead had been replaced with dark grey. On reaching the summit, I was blasted by hailstones.

At the summit of Beinn an Eoin:


Looking towards the North Top of Beinn an Eoin:


While at the summit, I decided to head out to the North Top before returning back the same way. The hailstones persisted all the way from the summit to the North Top.

Sgorr Tuath from the North Top of Beinn an Eoin:


Beinn an Eoin from the North Top:


On the return to the summit, the hailstones stopped and the blue sky returned. Thankfully it was just a passing shower.

Heading back to Beinn an Eoin:


Re-ascent of Beinn an Eoin:


Sgorr Tuath:


I stopped to take another photo at the summit as the visibility was now better than circa 30 minutes previous.

Looking back to the North Top from summit of Beinn an Eoin:


I returned to the car via the same route.

Sgurr an Fhidhleir:


Stac Pollaidh:


To top off this fantastic short day out on Beinn an Eoin, I stopped for fish and chips in Ullapool on the way back. A must if visiting Ullapool!