Climb up from Eas Urchaidh falls on the beautiful River Orchy, following forest tracks through the plantations to reach a beautiful hidden remnant of the ancient Caledonian forest which once covered much of the highlands. This is an out-and-back route - the return is the same way.
Forest tracks, becoming rougher as walk continues.
None to start.
Car park opposite the Eas Urchaidh falls, Glen Orchy.
There is a car park opposite the bridge at NN243320 in Glen Orchy. Begin the walk by crossing the bridge into the forest; the River Orchy here has carved a narrow channel through a rocky bed and it thunders through when in spate - this is the Eas Urchaidh falls. On the far side, ignore the track to the hut on the left and keep straight ahead on the wide track.
Continue until a signed junction, then bear left onto an older track - signed for 'Mountain Access' and 'Caledonian Forest Reserve'. After 2km there is another junction - this time keep straight ahead as signed for the forest, ignoring the right 'Mountain Access' turn, (the route to Beinn Mhic Mhonaidh). Soon the track leads past a picnic area by the river.
Continue along the track, now rougher and grassier, climbing a little through the plantations, until a gate is reached. Go through this to reach the remnant of the ancient Caledonian pinewood - with many birches as well as pines. The beautiful natural woodland is a stark contrast to the surrounding plantations of sitka spruce.
The track drops to ford a small burn and then climbs steeply through the native trees. As this is an out-and-back route, you can decide how far to go before returning. If you have the energy, it is worth continuing up the track until a little beyond the gate at the top end of the reserve; from here there is a great view over the whole pinewood.
Return the same way.
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