A pleasant circular walk from the centre of Poolewe village, with good views of the distant mountains and part of Loch Maree.
Summary
First half a very rough and rocky footpath; second half follows an easy track.
Terrain
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1. Turn off the main road in Poolewe on the north side of the bridge over the river. There is a car park immediately on the left. Walk back up to the main road and turn right, passing the campsite. Continue along the pavement, passing the turning for Lon Dubh and the large old white Farmhouse building. After this, there is a footpath sign for Loch Kernsary. Turn right off the road here beside the outbuildings, immediately bearing left onto a grassy track; when this heads off right, keep left again on a clear path beside a stone wall. This soon leads through a gate.
2. You are now in Cnoc na Lise woods, which were planted by volunteers using native trees in 1993-4. Continue on the path through another gate. The woods are now left behind as the path heads across the moor. The surface is excellent at first, but once Loch Kernsary is reached it becomes much rougher and rocks have to be crossed in one or two places. There are good views across the loch to the Fisherfield and Torridon mountains; even Liathach can be picked out in the far distance. Continue on the path above the northeast shore of the loch.
3. After a couple of kilometres the path crosses a stile and heads through a boggy section. After this the loch ends and the path descends into the unexpectedly green oasis of Kernsary, with many fine oak trees. The path fades in the grassy fields; continue straight ahead to reach a bridge over the stream. Beyond this keep left of the buildings of Kernsary to reach a track and gate. Turn right on the track passing through the gate and the yard.
4. The track now heads down to the River Kernsary and crosses it on a bridge to a 'T'-junction. Turn right here. The track initially comes close to the south side of Loch Kernsary before bearing left past the trees and winding down to the Inveran River. From here on, there are great views of the foot of Loch Maree and the steep slopes beyond. The way leads through some beautiful deciduous woodland in the grounds of Inveran. A little further on it becomes tarmac surfaced at a junction; keep straight on here, and then passing through the big iron gate further on or using the stile.
5. The remainder of the way back to Poolewe is on the tarmac private road; there is very little traffic and the views over the wide river Ewe are superb. All too soon, the car park and Poolewe itself bring this to an end.
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