Beinn na Feusaige is located in Glen Carron, a 30km long valley running almost from Achnasheen out to the west coast village of Lochcarron. In its upper parts, towards Achnasheen, the valley is wide and the hills on its north side side are rounded with summits of 500-660m. Travelling west along the valley, around halfway along, it narrows with the lower valley sides covered by forestry plantation, before opening up again beyond Achnashellach Station.
The north side of Glen Carron is best flown in a light southerly wind. Whilst a flight across the Coulin Forest towards Loch Maree and the mountains of Torridon is a good objective for any pilot flying here, Beinn na Feusaige also has an easterly aspect from which it is possible to launch in a SE – ESE and drop back along the valley to the nose of Coille Bhreac. If taking this route do beware of being pinned too far along the main glen where it narrows and the landing options become more limited.
Take-off
From the parking spot at the head of Loch Sgamhaim, cross the road and choose the most direct line through rough boggy ground before heading straight up the hillside until high enough to launch.
Landing
Landing is possible anywhere in the valley bottom, though watch out for the electricity cabales which are easily visible.
Access and parking
From the A835 (Tore to Ullapool road) turn left onto the A832 just after the village of Garve. When the A832 splits at Achnasheen, take the A890 for 8km to park just off the road at the head of Loch Sgamhaim where there is limited parking beneath Beinn na Feusaige
Local weather notes
Achnasheen lies right in the middle Scotland, midway between the east and west coasts and conditions here can be difficult to predict here as the glen is open to sea breezes which can push in from either coast. It’s also worth noting that the weather station at Loch Glasscarnoch just to the north (see www.xcweather.co.uk) does not necessarily give a good indication of what conditions will be like in the Glen Carron valley.
Flight rules
Glen Carron is in the Highland Restricted Area (HRA) and midweek flying is subject to strict airspace restrictions.
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.