This forest walk climbs up through the trees to a great viewpoint with views of Lochs Arkaig and Lochy as well as Ben Nevis. It then descends to an attractive waterfall with a perfect picnic site.
Summary
Easy to follow paths and tracks but with a very steep climb through the forestry.
Terrain
NN177888
Grid ref
2.5km/1.5 miles
Distance
Grade
Eas Chia-aig forest car park
Start
Maps
GPS Waypoints
View in 3D
No public transport to walk start.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
Tell me more
Pronunciation
and meaning
1. Park at the forestry car park by Eas Chia-Aig falls. The walk begins on the path up the bank beside the car park, which curves round to the left and passes an information board about the forest. This area is being restored to bring it closer to natural Scots Pine woodland and already provides home for a number of red squirrels.
2. The path soon reaches the top of the Eas Chia-aig falls; a path descends on the left here to view the falls from the picnic area, but this is best kept for the return walk. Instead curve round to the right on the main path, passing a smaller upper waterfall before passing through a gate in a deer fence. Stay on the well-made path as it slopes uphill between the closely-packed pines.
3. Towards the end of this section the path turns sharply to the right and then left again. There is a third sharp right hand bend marked with a sign reading 'Forest walks' (don't continue straight ahead, which is the return route). The path continues to climb steeply uphill in a series of zigzags and switch-backs before finally emerging from the trees. There are fine views down the length of Loch Arkaig. A little further on a bench is reached (a rest would be well-earned after that climb), and as the brow of the hill is crossed there are views of Loch Lochy and of Ben Nevis.
4. The path then joins with a track coming in from the right; keep left onto this track. A short distance further on is another junction of tracks; turn left here (signed 'Forest walk'). Continue on this next track until there is another 'Forest walk' signpost indicating a path heading down through the trees on the left; turn down this. This rejoins the outward route at the zig-zag section mentioned earlier. Follow the zig-zagging path downhill and retrace your steps back to the gate in the deer fence by the start of the walk.
5. Just beyond the gate, look out for a footpath off to the right which descends a series of steps beside the Eas-Chia Aig waterfalls. This path leads down to the beautiful picnic area beside the road. The best view of the waterfalls is from the road bridge; Liam Neeson leapt across the river between the falls in the Hollywood film of Rob Roy. Turn left along the road to return to the start.
Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing?
Please let us know by using the error report form.
Route profile
