This circular walk explores the environs of the village of Roybridge. It passes through a great deal of fine native woodland and visits an attractive lochan.
Summary
Mostly easy paths. There is one gate which may have to be climbed, and the return walk is on a faint, rough path, high with bracken in the summer.
Terrain
Car park in Roybridge, across from the shop.
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
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1. There is a small car park just across from the shop in the centre of Roybridge, by the recycling bins. Begin the walk by heading left along the pavement of the busy A86, in the direction of Laggan. The road crosses a bridge over the River Roy; after this, take a left turning, signed for Bohenie. This quiet minor road runs through fine woodland and gives some tantalising glimpses of the peat-brown river below. Continue along the road until a sign for Achaderry; here turn sharp right onto a gated track (marked Achaderry Estate beside the gate).
2. Just before a cattle grid turn left through a gate onto a path, signed 'Lochan Walk'. The path leads to a wooden seat and an information board giving details of the local flora and fauna; turn left at the t-junction here. The good path/ grassy track passes several wooden sculptures. Ignore a branch off to the left which is very overgrown. Soon there are glimpses of a lochan through the trees to the right, but it is best seen by continuing until a track goes off to the right.
3. This leads to a beautifully situated picnic table close by the water's edge. Return to the track and continue along it, ignoring a footbridge off to the right. Soon there is a signed path going off, also to the right, marked 'Way Out' - this leads back to the Achaderry track and makes for a much shorter and easier walk. To continue our circuit, continue on the track ahead, keeping straight ahead when it joins another track. Ignore any minor routes heading off left to keep on the track, which can be a little overgrown at times. At one point there is a gate which is sometimes locked; if so, it must be climbed carefully to avoid damage. Just beyond this the track slopes down to the main road.
4. The road is the A86 and can be busy with very fast moving traffic. Cross it carefully and turn right to walk along the verge on the far side. Ignore a drive off to the left, keeping on the verge, but look out for a slightly overgrown path which heads off sharp left a little further on, before the A86 bends to the right. The path runs beside some oak trees to reach the railway; don't go through the gate here but instead cross the old iron bridge high over the track. On the far side, the way bears right and the path can be obscured by high bracken in the summer.
5. The path is narrow and rough, but eventually meets a clearer path; bear right here (the left branch slopes steeply down to the river). The path runs close to the edge of a steep drop which slopes down to the River Spean, which here flows through a wooded ravine. The path forks again at one point; keep on the narrower path which keeps to the edge of the steep ground. The bank now gradually descends; at a final junction take the main, right hand route rather than walking right by the riverside (which is very close at this point).
6. The path emerges at the top of Bunroy campsite. Follow the tarmac road ahead to Roybridge rail station, where it swings right to cross a bridge over the line and emerge on the A86 opposite the Stronlossit Inn (see hotels). Carefully cross the road once more before turning left and following the walkway back to the start.
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