Mallaig circuit

ARDNAMURCHAN AND THE ROAD TO THE ISLES


Summary :	This pleasant circuit has good views over Mallaig harbour and across Loch Nevis to Knoydart. A good way to spent spare time whilst waiting for a ferry.
Terrain :	Well constructed paths; includes some ascent
Grade :		Distance :	3km/1.75 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	1 – 1.5 hours
Start :	Mallaig East Bay car park	Grid ref :	NM679969
Map :	View an OS map of the route Buy Explorer 398 – Mallaig	Ascent :	129m
GPS Route/ Waypoints :	Open this walk in QUO 2 Tell me more Open this walk in GPX format (compatible with Memory map etc)	Open this walk in Google Earth Tell me more Open all walks in Google Earth Tell me more
Pronunciation and meaning :	Press play button to listen Tell me more
Public Transport :	Bus or train to Mallaig[Click for timetables - choose Area 3]

1. Mallaig is small working fishing-port which grew up during the herring boom of the 1800s and later benefited from the construction of the railway from Glasgow. Today it is a bustling, working port with few pretentions but a spectacular location. Park at the East Bay car park; this parking area runs right round the front. The start of the walk is next to the bungalow which is adjacent to the 'Springbank' Guest house; there is a sign indicating 'Circular walk'. The path has a roughly paved surface at first; as it passes up behind the bungalows it passes through a gate.

2. As the path gains height there are a couple of benches with views back over Mallaig. The route then enters an empty, peaceful little valley completely hidden from the town; at the far end is a signposted indicating a path off to the right for Loch an Nostarie. Don't take this turning (which is a longer walk), but if the weather is good it is worth detouring up the branch to the left here instead for a view from the hilltop. To continue the walk, continue on the main path which now begins to descend.

3. The path soon joins the driveway from an attractive white cottage over to the right; bear left continuing along this drive. In good weather there are great views ahead across Loch Nevis to the mountains of Knoydart, and further on, to the Sleat peninsula of Skye. Continue along the track until it meets a tarmac road.

4. Turn left along the road to return to Mallaig. The road leads into a housing estate and joins another road at a sharp bend; take the lower branch road here, bearing right. This road soon slopes down to the harbourside and leads back to the start.

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Route profile

Accommodation links for this area:
Ardnamurchan and the Road to the Isles Hotels and Inns
Ardnamurchan and the Road to the Isles B&B (Bed and Breakfasts)
Self catering cottages in Ardnamurchan and the Road to the Isles
Fort William, Lochaber and Glencoe hostels