This group of four small lochs set amidst the wild scenery and pines of Glen Feshie is a real hidden gem. This route heads around the lochans before climbing along the wooded rim of Farleitter Crag for sublime views. The pines are often busy with red squirrels.
Clear paths and forestry tracks with some steep uphill.
None to start.
Uath Lochans Forestry car park, Glen Feshie.
Take the road up the west side of Glen Feshie and turn right at the Forestry Commission sign for Uath Lochans. The car park and lochside picnic area is 200m further on. From the car park follow the post at the far side of the parking area and turn left onto a track which curves around the Lochan.
Ignore a track to the right, continuing along the track until a white waymarker post indicates where to turn left onto a path. The path soon leads along a section of boardwalk across the marshy ground - this habitat provides good hunting for birds of prey and it is common to see buzzards circling overhead. Eventually the path leads to the north end of the largest lochan. There are good views across to Farleitter Crag, whilst the Feshie range closes the view to the east.
Keep following the white markers which now mark the path which skirts around the largest of the lochans. In winter this is home to Goldeneye ducks and overwintering geese. The path reaches a track and heads turns right, following the waymarkers. Follow the track, passing another bench. After a bend, turn right onto a marked path through the heather and small pine trees.
The path curves round towards the larger trees with good views over the water before passing a bench and heading into the pines. The clear path heads through the trees until it reaches a wider path - part of the Speyside Way. You can shortcut back to the start by turning right here, but to continue the route to the Farleitter Crag viewpoint, turn left. Start climbing steadily uphill along the track which winds to and fro as it gains height.
The path levels out and passes through an area of older Scots Pines - some 120 years old. Turn right onto a smaller path, leaving the Speyside Way. The route now climbs more steadily, soon rewarding with increasingly good views between the trees. The path crosses the top of the crags and there are a couple of spots with stunning views over the three lochans and across to the hills rising above the far side of Glen Feshie.
A large rock is reached with a seat and views out over Strathspey. Follow the path, which soon veers left and downhill. Bear right when the Speyside Way path joins back in from to the left. Eventually a T junction is reached, turn right here and follow the path through the trees, ignoring further turnings off on the left. This whole section follows red waymarkers.
This path reaches a track; turn right here. The track turns slightly right and heads gently downhill following a line of pylons for a short distance. Follow the track as it bends into the woods, then leaving it to head left on a path. At the next junction turn right, skirting the edge of the woods.
This is a great area to spot red squirrels. Continue on the track, following the red marker posts. The crags come into view ahead and the track passes a more open area before reaching the outward track. Turn left here and soon you return to the car park and the start of the walk.
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