Loch nam Bonnach is a very peaceful stretch of water hidden amongst the low moors to the west of Beauly. This circular walk visits the loch via a loop of tracks and offers good views; the downside is that the track can be very boggy, particularly on the return.
Summary
The route follows tracks throughout. These are muddy in places and the return route through the forest can be waterlogged - though it is possible avoid the worst by keeping to the trees alongside.
Terrain
Drumindorsair
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
View / Print map of this route
Buy Explorer 431 – Strathglass
Maps
Users'
rating
1. A maze of minor roads run up and across the hillsides to the west of Beauly. This walk begins from the end of the public road at Drumindorsair. There is a turning area at the end of the road and a request not to park here; it is just possible to park one car a short distance back down the road where a track goes off to the west - be careful not to obstruct any routes. The walk begins from the end of the road; from here take the track through the gate on the left. It immediately swings to the right and begins climbing the hill.
2. The track soon climbs clear of the trees onto the scrubby moor, with some good views looking back. It continues to gain height, soon reaching a locked gate in a deer fence - there is a gate for pedestrians alongside. From here there are views over to the Beauly Firth.
3. Keep on the main track, ignoring rougher forks on the right. As the track levels off there are views ahead to the easterly peaks of the Glen Affric and Strathfarrar mountains, with the foreground moors decorated with just a few scattered Scots pines.
4. The track becomes a little muddy as it swings to the right near a fence. Soon Loch nam Bonnach comes into view ahead, backed by a distant view of Ben Wyvis. This attractive sheet of water is a little visited and very peaceful spot. The track now climbs slightly into the forestry plantations. Keep on the main track; at one point it comes alongside the edge of the plantation before heading back into the trees - go straight on when a larger track joins in from the left.
5. The track now reaches a large track at a t-junction, with a much smaller, more overgrown track continuing directly ahead. Go straight across onto this small track. In places it is badly waterlogged and wet feet are likely, but it is possible to avoid the worst of it by keeping to the edge of the trees alongside. At a junction, take the right hand turn. This leads to a gate and stile. Cross the stile and continue ahead to join a tarmac road. Turn right along this road, and right again at the next junction to return to the start.
Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing?
Please let us know by using the error report form.
Route profile
