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Mountain Trail Hike

The Mountain Trail takes you into the heart of the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve, the oldest nature reserve in the United Kingdom, established in 1951. This hike is one of the few marked trails in Scotland and takes you through a remarkable variety of landscapes, including forests of over 8,000-year-old Caledonian pine trees, moors, and alpine meadows. You will also pass through a lunar plateau of white quartzite.

The route offers spectacular views of the Beinn Eighe ridges and Loch Maree below, with the majestic Slioch rising in the distance.

Difficulties and description of the hike

The Mountain Trail is relatively demanding. The route begins with a gentle climb through a forest of pine and birch trees. Then, the slope becomes much steeper. You will climb more than 300 meters in less than one kilometer over rough terrain.

The trail then crosses rocky quartzite terrain before reaching the highest point, the Conservation Cairn (550 m). The descent takes a different valley than the ascent and runs alongside the Allt na h-Airidhe gorges before rejoining the forest.

What you'll love

Permanent views of Loch Maree and the imposing peak of Slioch on the opposite shore.
A Journey through varied ecosystems: Pass from a primary forest of Caledonian pines to alpine meadows and then to a high-altitude plateau reminiscent of the Arctic tundra.
A clearly marked trail: Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with clear and regular markings, which are rare in Scotland.