Inverlair to Feagour

Summary

The third stage of the East Highland Way is the longest of all, though the walking itself is straightforward along forestry tracks. There are plentiful breaks in the trees to give some superb views of the lochs and views in this central part of the Highlands. There is no accommodation at either the start or end; unless wild camping, it is best to arrange to be picked up from the end of the stage.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Good forest tracks and path.

Getting there

Start

Inverlair.

Public Transport

Train station 3.5km from start at Tulloch. No public transport to end of walk, may be possible to arrange pick up by an accommodation provider.

Start Grid Ref

NN339798

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Services

There are no facilities at Inverlair but there is a hostel around 3km off route. Neither are there facilities at Feagour, though a pickup could be arranged.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 34km / 21.25 miles
Time: 7.5 - 8.5 hours
Ascent: 313m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

At Inverlair turn right along the minor road, soon crossing a bridge over the Allt Laire and then passing An Dubh Lochan. After passing the loch the public road ends at a turning area which is the starting point for various walks. Continue on the road to the left towards the cottages at Fersaid Bridge, signed as a public right of way for Corrour Station. Cross the bridges over the River Treig and then the railway line and head uphill. Keep straight ahead to between the houses of the tiny hamlet of Fersit. Towards the last house keep right to pass to the right of a green metal barn. Head through a gate here to follow a track which runs to the right of trees and across open moorland.

Stage 2

There are views to the right to the Munros of Stob Coire Sgriodain and Chno Dearg. Ignore the right of way which heads off right after a small bridge, and instead follow the track as it swings left and goes through a gate. The track crosses a bridge after just under 1km; further on, ignore a track off to the left and continue, eventually crossing a cattle grid. Felled sections of forestry give more open views to the mountains on the north side of the glen. After almost another 2km, keep on the main track - right - at a fork. The first views towards the Creag Mheagaidh group can be seen to the left.

Stage 3

Cross a bridge over the Allt Loraidh, and 2km further on go left at a wide junction (the good track heading right is signed for Corrour). Continue along the main track from here, ignoring two more turnings off to the right. As the track descends slightly and the house at Torgulbin comes into view at the edge of the forest, keep right on the main track, which soon swings sharply back left and crosses a cattle grid and then a bridge over the twisting Abhainn Ghuilbinn to pass the house at Luiblea. It is possible to leave the East Highland Way here by continuing ahead to reach the main A86 road (though far from accommodation or services). The route, however, turns right when the main track bends left, heading through a metal gate.

Stage 4

There are wonderful views to the right over the river to Beinn a'Chaorainn and, if the day is clear, a final view of the Grey Corries as the track follows a raised embankment. Continue along the track as it then curves to the left, and keep straight ahead when a branch heads off right (for the Beinn a'Chlachair group, instead descending gently to the western end of Loch Laggan - which makes a decent wild camping spot. Keep ahead to begin the walk along the south shore of the loch.

Stage 5

Though the track is wide for vehicles and is monotonous underfoot, there are great views over Loch Laggan to the mountains on the north side for much of this long stretch. After 2.5km the rocky, birch-clad islet of Eilean nan Tunnag is passed, but there is still over 4km more walking along the track before the next junction is reached.

Stage 6

Here turn right (with an East Highland Way marker post) onto a track which gently climbs uphill. Keep right at a junction to head uphill again. Now near the top of the forestry, follow the main track as it swings left (ignoring a grassier track ahead) and then heads downstream to reach a bridge over the Allt Labhrach. Cross this and a second bridge and keep straight ahead at a crossroads of tracks. There are good views to Creag Meagaidh over to the left and Binnean Shios behind. Follow the main track, keeping ahead at a crossroads, then ignoring tracks off to the right and left as the track undulates. Keep on the main track on a long, steady descent.

Stage 7

Keep straight ahead at a cross-tracks (with Kinloch visible to the left), then bear right as another track is joined. The route now passes a sawmill housed in a metal barn (an earlier sawmill for the area can be seen reconstructed to the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore). Keep ahead as the track leaves the woods, crosses fields and comes alongside the River Pattack. Go left at a junction as mixed woodland is reached, crossing a cattle grid, keeping left at first and when the track turns left to cross the Pattack keep straight ahead through a gate onto a track. Follow this through woodland and then more open ground.

Stage 8

When the end of the faint track is reached, head up to the right (east) to pass through a wooden kissing gate in the fence. Follow the path through the heather, to the right of the pines, over a small ridge and descend slihgtly to the right (passing under powerlines) to reach the track and bridge over the River Pattack. Turn left to cross the bridge and follow the forestry track. At a junction keep left soon heading slightly downhill. At a signed junction you can take a 0.5km path detour to the left (return the same way) to visit Lower Pattack Falls otherwise continue ahead passing a house on the right before reaching the A86 road at Feagour. This is the end of the stage, though there are no facilities so if not carrying a tent it is best to pre-arrange a pick-up from accommodation before returning the next day.

Next stage: Pattack Falls to Laggan

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