Hidden Corrie, Beinn Eighe (Coire Mhic Fhearchair)

Coire Mhic Fhearchair is widely regarded as the finest corrie in all of Scotland — a vast, hidden amphitheatre on the northern flank of Beinn Eighe, hemmed in by the towering Triple Buttress and reflected in the still waters of its own lochan, reached along one of the great mountain paths of Torridon.

The route starts from the car park just west of the bridge over the Allt a' Choire Dhuibh Mhòir on the A896. A signpost for Coire Mhic Nobuil marks the start of a well-made stalkers path, climbing into the gap between Liathach's towering battleship profile on the left and the scree-covered slopes of Beinn Eighe on the right — strenuous but straightforward going, well above the level of the stream. After passing a series of reedy lochans, a path junction at a large cairn sends most walkers right, staying on the excellent, well-constructed path as it makes a long, rising traverse across the western flank of Sàil Mhòr, with fabulous views back down a hidden valley enclosed by the pinnacles of Liathach.

As the path rounds the northern side of Sàil Mhòr, new views open into the wild, water-pitted country north of Torridon, home to the little-known peaks of Baosbheinn and Beinn Alligin's neighbours. Stone steps lead up towards the corrie past fine waterfalls cascading down from above — and then, quite suddenly, the full scale of the Triple Buttress is revealed, its three great rock pillars rising sheer above Loch Coire Mhic Fhearchair, one of the most celebrated mountain views in Scotland. The path continues along the loch's eastern shore for the finest vantage point of all, looking back across the water to this masterpiece of rock architecture.

Most walkers retrace the outward route back to the car park, though the fit and adventurous can continue into a full traverse of Beinn Eighe's two Munros via a very steep scree gully — a serious undertaking best left to experienced hillwalkers.

This is a genuinely long walk into wild and exposed terrain, on an excellent path throughout but with a rocky surface underfoot for much of the way — full hillwalking boots, waterproofs, and a realistic assessment of the distance involved (around 19 kilometres round trip) are all essential.

Parking at the Coire Dubh car park is free; there is no public transport to the start.