Laggan to Newtonmore

Summary

The fifth stage of the East Highland Way climbs gently into the remote moorland of Strath an Eilich where you are surrounded by hills, passing Dalnashallag (Dail na Seilg) Bothy before following the river towards Newtonmore where there are plenty of accommodation options and facilities. The route has several burn/river crossings in Glen Banchor; these become impassable when in spate - in such conditions, use the alternative easier southern route described in paragraph 8.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Minor road, pathless moor, potentially dangerous river crossings, navigation skills required, boggy in places

Getting there

Start

Laggan.

Public Transport

There's a school bus connecting Laggan with Newtonmore / Kingussie - school days and times only. Newtonmore itself is well served by buses and trains.

Start Grid Ref

NN614943

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Services

Laggan has only a cafe. Newtonmore is a small town with shops. It has hotels, guest houses, B&B and hostel accomodation. There is also a campsite.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 15.5km / 9.75 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 161m (Profile)

Mapping and GPS

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OL56 Badenoch

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

From the road junction in Laggan by the cafe, head east along the A86 passing the church and taking care on this sometimes busy and fast road. After 1.5km pass the Laggan Hotel and take the next left signed for Balgowan. Follow this uphill and past a number of houses before the road levels off.

Stage 2

Look out for a grey sheet metal shed on the right before reaching two semi-detached cottages on the left, the further one (Torgoil) having a green fence. Almost immediately beyond this second cottage and before the pine trees, a path doubles back on the left. Follow this gravel path uphill and around to the right next to a deer fence. Just after the corner of the fence take the diagonal path to the left crossing the grassy area (Cabin Cottage over to the right) and follow the path up through the pines. At the top of the slope turn left onto a faint path (do not continue ahead on the clearer path) instead head directly along the grassy path on the high ground in the trees to reach a fence, turn right and follow the path to the northwest corner of the plantation where there is a metal kissing gate. Go through and turn right to follow a track heading into the open moorland ahead.

Stage 3

You can either cross the stream at the ford or there is a bridge in poor condition nearer the forestry. Where the track fords a second stream it is best to avoid this and another crossing by keeping right and following the burn upstream keeping parallel with the fence to your right. Aim for the rowan tree which marks the ruined croft at Lagbuidhe. If you do stay on the track, cross the stream near the ruins and climb up to them.

Stage 4

From here continue past the ruins in the same north east direction and go through a rusty gate and look ahead to see the Cluny Estate track which cuts across the higher ground ahead. Follow a faint path north east to reach this good track and turn left along it to head through Strath an Eilich eventually reaching the stalker's bothy at Dalnashallag. Owned by the estate this is an open shelter usually available for walkers unless estate workers are staying.

Stage 5

Immediately to the right of the bothy ford the Allt Madagain (note the bridge shown on some OS maps does not exist and was never in the position shown) and follow a faint path alongside the stream heading east. It is usually best to keep on the slightly higher ground above the water but the going can be very boggy in places, however there are great mountain views to compensate. Away to the north the ruined farmstead of Dalballoch can be seen as you follow the River Calder east downstream. Just past this it is necessary to cross the outflow of the Allt Balloch which although divided into a few sections can be tricky to cross after wet weather and is impassable when in spate.

Stage 6

The path down Glen Banchor now crosses a boggy area of low ground near the river. Ignore two gates into a fenced area nearer the river keeping instead on the left side of the fence which has been built to protect regenerating trees from deer. When a forestry plantation is reached go through the wooden gate which leads to a clear path soon crossing a small stream. This leads up to a gate on the left at Glenballoch, which was, until fairly recently, the last inhabited house in the glen. After the gate turn right to follow the track east crossing the bridge and leaving the sad boarded up house at Glenballoch behind.

Stage 7

Pass another ruinous house and keep following the track, its worth turning round for the good mountain views behind. After coming closer to the river go through a wooden gate, over Dalchurn bridge and past the car park at the end of the public road. Follow Glen Road towards Newtonmore with some good viewpoints over the river to the right, some with benches. For a longer, more picturesque approach you can take the signed Wildcat Trail on the right soon after the forestry starts on the left side of the road. Otherwise continue down Glen Road past the first few houses and at a junction fork right onto a surfaced path which leads directly to the main street in Newtonmore which has accommodation, shops and eating options.

Next stage: Newtonmore to Kincraig

Stage 8

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE FOR SPATE CONDITIONS
If the river crossings will be in spate, it is necessary to take an alternative route - head south from Laggan along the A86, then turn left after 1km onto the A889, passing the pottery bunkhouse and cafe. At Catlodge turn left again onto a minor road, and follow this for several kilometres, crossing the River Truim and approaching the A9. Before reaching the A9 turn left along the Sustrans cycle path. Follow this to Ralia Cafe and beyond, eventually joining the B9150 for the final walk into Newtonmore.

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