A straightforward and flat circuit of Forfar Loch, often busy with cyclists, runners, dog walkers, and offering the chance to look for birdlife or watch canoeists or sailors on the water. Cafe and toilets and visitor centre.
Summary
Surfaced path shared with cyclists, very minor road, clear path - can be muddy and prone to flooding (diversion provided) in winter.
Terrain
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1. There is parking outside the visitor centre at Forfar Loch Country Park. The Centre is open in the afternoons and has displays on the history and wildlife of the Park. Take the signed path opposite to follow the start of the path round the Loch. The water is a haven for migrating wildfowl in the winter months, although swans, geese, coots, ducks, moorhens and herons can be seen all year round. Soon the path passes the small cricket pitch and then the rugby ground and beyond that a training pitch. When the path forks, keep right to stay close to the water. On the opposite side the sailing club can be seen.
2. The path heads through a patch of dense trees, crosses a small bridge and eventually reaches the head of the Loch. The Loch used to be a lot larger, but was partly drained in the mid 18th century and is now 1.5 km shorter and 5 metres shallower than it once was. Turn right to cross a bridge over the inflow and then take the path on the right keeping close to the water. If the water level is high causing flooding a diversion is put in place to follow the track near the road for a short distance.
3. The path joins a wider surfaced track as it heads down the far side of the Loch. Occasional vehicles do use this track so take care. The numbered areas relate to fishing spots - the loch is used by fly fishermen to catch brown trout and pike. The water is on the long road to recovery from years of industrial pollution and while fish stocks are improving, local anglers report that the eating qualities of any fish caught is pretty poor.
4. Just before the sailing club is reached a diversion onto a path on the right, before a red dog bin, leads to a picnic area and then up towards the sailing club building. Turn left from the car park to regain the main track and continue around the Loch. At a junction take the surfaced path on the right, near a black bin. On the right there is a grass maze and a viewing platform over the water. Just a little way further along take the narrower path on the right again to remain close to the water. When the path emerges from the shrubs head across to the corner of the Leisure Centre and pass in front of this building to return to the visitor centre at the start.
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