One of the island-like peaks so characteristic of Assynt and Coigach, Cul Beag may lack the spiky cuteness of neighbouring Stac Pollaidh, or the impressive scale of nearby Cul Mor, but nevertheless it's a bold sandstone lump that stands very much on its own merits, with a summit view as grand as any. There are shorter ways up, but the approach from the east described here feels less abrupt.
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metres / Distance
miles
Detailed description
1
NC1849108102 From the A835 just south of Knockan Crag head west-northwest, crossing the line of the old road (possible alternative parking) to pick up a stalker's track. This curves downhill to the southern end of Lochan Fada. Beyond a small ford is a second larger burn crossing (wet feet a possibility in spate conditions - look for the stepping stones). Stay with the track for a further few hundred metres, then before it begins to descend towards Loch nan Ealachan, look out for a cairn marking the junction with a muddy footpath on the left.
2
NC1757408369 Take this path roughly west. Step over a wire fence and cross a boggy area, then follow your nose - and the occasional small cairn - towards Cul Beag, making a rising traverse across the rough southern flank of Creag Dubh. The ground underfoot can be very wet, and the path often indistinct.
3
NC1555308512 The huge lump of Meall Dearg rises due ahead, a satellite peak of Cul Beag. Steer left of its craggy northeast flank, following vague traces of path steeply uphill to the rocky twin summits.
4
NC1480108659 From the col between the tops descend west-northwest, passing a notch with a spectacular view across to Cul Mor before descending to Lochan Uaine, a shallow pool on the bealach immediately beneath Cul Beag's summit slopes. The final ascent is go-anywhere ground up a series of steep grassy terraces, with signs of previous footfall rather than a single well-defined path (the most obvious trail traversing north onto the hill's precipitous northeast face is best left to mountaineers with an exploratory bent). As you gain height it's worth trending right to join the final ridge leading to the cairn marking the summit.5
NC1403408817 With steep ground dropping away to the north and west, the summit of Cul Beag is a fantastic viewpoint. Shorter, steeper descents are available, but most people will prefer to go back the way they came. If descending in poor visibility, make sure to bear right of the steeper ground on Meall Dearg's northeast flank. The return through the lower bogs is soggy, but quick.
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Difficulty: ModerateDistance: 6.34 miles (10.20 km)
Total ascent: 710m
Time: 3 – 4 hours (Walking)
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Additional Information
Start/Finish:Several laybys on the A835 just south of Knockan Crag, NC184081
Nearest town:
Ullapool
Terrain:
Rough and frequently wet on the lower ground, and the trail is indistinct at times. Some steep ground done in both ascent and descent, but no scrambling.
Seasonal variations:
The eastern flanks of Meall Dearg and Cul Beag could feel pretty steep in winter, and would need care in deep snow or icy conditions. Steer clear of the northern crags.
Weather and Hill Conditions: mwis: Northwest Highlands – Met Office: West Highlands
Public transport:
Infrequent bus service from Ullapool to Lochinver: alight about halfway between Strathcanaird and Elphin.
Guidebooks:
The Corbetts (SMC)
Maps:
OS Explorer 439 (1:25,000), OS Landranger 15 (1:50,000) Directory Listings:
Find more Listings near this route Tourist info:
Ullapool (0845 22 55 121); Lochinver (0845 22 55 121)
Further Routes
by Dan Bailey UKH
- Beinn Dorain and Beinn an Dothaidh 5 Feb
- East Ridge of Beinn a' Chaorainn and Beinn Teallach 21 Jan
- A' Chralaig and Mullach Fraoch-choire 4 Dec, 2023
- Meall na Teanga & Sron a' Choire Ghairbh - The Loch Lochy Munros 6 Nov, 2023
- Bynack More 19 Oct, 2023