A short stroll through fine alder woodland leads to a peaceful spot on the shores of Loch Ness, seemingly far from the busy tourist hub of Drumnadrochit. NOTE: At the moment it is not possible to reach Loch Ness, except after very dry weather, because the bridge has been washed away.
Summary
Mostly waymarked paths; the route can be flooded after heavy rains
Terrain
45 minutes
Time
Bog Factor
Cemetery car park, Drumnadrochit
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
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1. From the A87 in the centre of Drumnadrochit, take the minor road towards Loch Ness side, signed for the Ben Leva hotel. Continue through the area of modern bungalows and past the hotel to reach a car park opposite the attractive cemetery. The walk begins from the stile by the bend in the road here. Cross the stile and turn left along the track, passing left of the sewage works to reach a gate at the entrance to Urquhart Bay woodlands.
2. Urquhart Bay woods are an ancient wood situated between the rivers Enrick and Coiltie where both rivers flow out into Loch Ness. After heavy rains, the whole woodland is flooded - this is one of the finest remaining examples of 'wet woodland', where alder trees and others that thrive from floods grow well. The woods are cared for by the woodland trust. Once through the gate, turn right on the excellent path. Keep left at the next junction, and follow the path along the banks of the River Enrick.
3. There are often huge tree trunks and other debris in the river bed, brought down during the floods. Keep left at the next junction to reach the point where a long bridge over the river Coiltie used to stand. This metal suspension bridge was washed away in floods in August 2007 and has yet to be replaced. Only after a long dry spell will it be possible to cross the river and complete the walk. If a crossing is possible, which should only be attempted if it is safe to do so, turn left on a fainter path.
4. There are a couple of dykes to cross as you follow the river downstream, but these are usually dry in summer. Soon you will reach the shore of Loch Ness, with a small area of pebbles and sand. This is a peaceful spot far removed from the tourist honeypots nearby, and is popular with fishermen. Return to the bridge, turning left this time at the next main junction. Turn right at the next junction and then left again. Soon you'll return to the gate where you entered the woods earlier. Go through the gate and back to the stile to return to the car park.
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