Setting off from Beauly Station mid-morning the sky is clear and the April air fresh. A slight haze lies over the horizons as I walk through the village and head on up the hill towards Ruilick.

Literally every step I take, I see a baby rabbits nipping in and out of the hedgegrow. The way is quite steep but the view back over the Beauly Firth is well worth the effort.

At the end of the road there is a forestry gate with a sty. As soon as I'm across it I realise how loud I'm being and see a Roe's white flash disappearing up the hill and over the fence. The road is a well established forestry track and winds uphill towards the Loch. There are a couple of heavy slanted gates to go through on the way.


The River Beauly feeding into the Beauly Firth, the Kessock Bridge is in the distance

Up at the Loch, the ground is open and I'm hit with that tingly chill that accompanies open water in the hills. I can see Ben Wyvis pretty clearly off to the right. Loch nam Bonnach feels very isolated and only a lonely boat pulled into the shore shows any sign of recent activity.

Following the path along the side of the Loch, the track is quite boggy and I vault the next gate rather than wading through the mud. If you're out with the dog this way then this may be the time to head back down. Unless of couse, you have the type of dog that has mastered the deer fence .


Loch nam Bonnach


Loch nam Bonnach with Ben Wyvis in the distance


Loch nam Bonnach

The views coming back down hill are breathtaking and I'm glad I got a clear day to appreciate them. I've attempted to capture some of it in these photos , apologies for the quality - it's a camera phone!


Looking South from Dun Fhamhair


Looking South from Dun Fhamhair

Circling Drumindorsair and Broallan I can see along the river valley. Further down the hill someone is out back practicing their bagpipes and sitting by the yellow gorse I feel like I may have walked into a advert for Visit Scotland.


Looking South from Drumindorsair

The road leads down to the oddly coloured Kilmorack Gallery and the not so bonny dam and power station on the River Beauly. The next bit is tricky navigating a short stretch of the A831 but with a bit of common sense I reach the start of the river walk which follows the Beauly downstream to the Lovat Bridge.


Kilmorack Dam and power station

The atmosphere on the way back along the water is relaxed as the anglers nod their hello's. Beaufort Castle is visible above the treeline to the South. Once at the bridge I leave the waterside and make my way back along the A862. There is a narrow pavement along the mile of road but be warned, the traffic can be fast.


River Beauly


River Beauly


Lovat Bridge


River Beauly

A good stretch for the legs that incorporates a mix of farmland, forestry, the loch and the moors and the riverside woodlands. I'd estimate 4-5 hours for a steady completion and my GPS says 24KM in total