This short and easy walk through a plantation of Lodgepole Pines is very popular with local dog-walkers. There are views of the mountains near the start whilst the route passes two forest lochs.
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1. The car park for Laide Wood is well signed from the A832 south of Laide. Planted by the Forestry Commission from 1963 - 1967, the forest was aquired by a community charity in 2003. Since then a series of paths have been laid out between the often wind-blasted lodgepole pines. Begin the walk from the far end of the car park where there is a noticeboard and a picnic table. On a good day the mountains visible include the tent-shaped Beinn Ghobhlach as well as pinnacled An Teallach.
2. Follow the path as it heads downhill through a felled area to pass between two blocks of trees. The path crosses a small bridge and then follows a burn, the banks of which are decked with primroses in the spring. The path then turns to the right, crossing the burn by another bridge near a bench. Continue, crossing yet another burn, to reach a path junction. The route to the left is a short detour to visit Loch na Creige, with a small waterfall beyond.
3. Continuing on the main path, the route now passes Loch na Cathrach Duibhe and another picnic table. The habitat is being improved by the planting of varied species by volunteers; look out for moorhens, mallard or herons using the loch and for woodpeckers and treecreepers amongst the trees. Continue on the main path; the Wet Foot Trail and the Butts trail head off to the left giving more options. The main path heads back up to the car park.
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