DESCRIPTION

Beinn Eighe is one of the more spectacular peaks that defines the North West Highlands of Scotland. With its great expanses of bare scree catching the sun, the south face of Beinn Eighe, makes it an obvious target for those seeking a dramatic mountain environment in which to take to the air. Beinn Eighe is most commonly flown in very light southerly, or nil wind conditions. Although the take off point on the col above Stuc Coire an Laoigh does not allow a launch facing due south, it does enable a pilot to launch in either a south westerly or south easterly facing direction. Because, at various points on a sunny day thermals will have a tendency to be drawn up either face, it’s normally just a case of waiting a short while to get a feel for the conditions before launching. It is also quite common to experience a breeze blowing along the glen from Loch Torridon, in which case the south westerly facing (slightly less committing) launch will be preferable. Once in the air, beware of scratching too close to the rocky slopes and, if flying in the bowl of Coire an Laoigh keep a watchful eye out for a change in wind direction if a sea breeze does start to develop.

ACTIVITIES

- paragliding
- hike
- soaring
- thermals
- xc

weather

Wind direction may change rapidly as sea breeze sets in.

access

Beinn Eighe is easily accessed from the A896 which runs the length of Glen Torridon from Kinlochewe to Torridon Village. Travelling west along the A896 from Kinlochewe, after 7.5 km look out for a small forestry plantation on the right hand side of the road. A rough track leads towards the plantation where there is an information board and room for several cars to park. If this parking area is full, a much larger car park can be found 2km further down the road. Please do not park in the passing places.

regulation

This area lies inside the Highland Restricted Area (HRA) and midweek flying is subject to strict restrictions.