This circular walk offers great views from the shores of Loch Ness, and a chance to look for red squirrels and roe deer in the woods.
Summary
Woodland paths and forestry tracks; can be muddy in places after wet weather.
Terrain
Dores - car park behind Old Dores Inn.
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
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1. Start the walk from the public car park accessed through the Old Dores Inn car park - if there is no space there is a parking bay on the main road opposite a phone box. From the car park take the woodland path behind the Nessie-spotter's caravan to reach a children's playground. From here the path runs behind the stony beach – a closer approach gives excellent views up Loch Ness; the prominent hill is Meall Fuar Mhonaidh.
2. Pass through a gate into the woodland and at a fork stay on the main, lower path. There are many glimpses out through the trees across Loch Ness on this stretch, which is very pleasant. Eventually the path heads through another gate to reach a ruined shed with Aldourie jetty over to the left; boats are usually kept moored here.
3. The track now swings right uphill past a house, but before heading this way it is possible to make a detour to get a view of Aldourie Castle. To do this follow the narrow path between the loch and the house as it goes through woodland choked with rhododendrons before widening out and giving a view of the castle. Originally a 16th century stone tower, the castle was extended to its present size in Victorian times. Now privately owned and run as accommodation, there is no access to the castle grounds, so do not continue between the gateposts but instead retrace your steps back to the track and house near the jetty.
4. Turn left on the track that slopes uphill past the house. Immediately before it reaches the gate at the edge of the woodland turn right onto a forest track. This weaves through the woods, with open fields never far away to the left. Eventually a t-junction is reached with denser forest ahead; go left here. The route soon becomes a wide path through beechwoods and there are views between the trees over the countryside towards the Deer Pond. As the trees turn to pines turn left down a rougher, steep section of path to rejoin the outward route near where it first entered the woods. Turn left here to head through the gate and retrace your steps to the start.
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