Achriabhach Forest walk, Glen Nevis

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This forest walk climbs steeply through the trees, passing a fine waterfall and giving superb views across Glen Nevis. The first section of the walk is closed until end December 2017.

Terrain

Well-marked footpath and tracks through the forest; steep ascent at first.

Public Transport

Bus service between May and September.

Start

Polldubh car park. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The first section of the walk is closed until end December 2017. Park in the car park situated above the Glen Nevis road just before reaching the bridge at Polldubh - there is a charge. It is worth walking over to this bridge before starting the walk to have a good look at the Polldubh Falls (also known as the 'Lower Falls'), usually busy with coach parties. Begin the route by heading the opposite way up the road, back towards Fort William. After a couple of hundred metres the road passes the white cottage at Achriabhach on the right, and just beyond this there is a track heading into the forest on left. Turn up this track.

Stage 2

As the track enters the trees, take a path off to the left - signed Achriabhach Munro Access. This climbs up close to the edge of the conifers, soon reaching a large ladder stile. Cross this and continue up the path, which ascends steeply and is close enough to the forest edge to give views across the glen. Further up, the path passes a waterfall on the Allt a'Choire Dheirg. Further on the path forks; both rejoin further on but the left branch gives a view of waterslides. Continue the ascent until the path reaches a forest track at a sharp bend, with a view of the mountain ridge around Coire Dearg high above.

Stage 3

Don't go along the track, but take the path opposite. This continues the ascent; after a short distance there is a seat on the left with a truly magnificent view up Glen Nevis towards the Nevis Gorge. Continue up the path, with improving views of Ben Nevis behind, until finally a flight of stone steps brings you up to another forestry track.

Stage 4

Turn right along this track; there are more great views ahead, this time down Glen Nevis towards the foot of the glen. Follow the track gently downhill until it meets a junction with another track. Turn sharp right here, and continue down this new track to reach the sharp bend the path briefly crossed earlier. This time continue on the track which swings sharply to the left.

Stage 5

The descent continues on the track to yet another junction. As before, turn sharp right for this final zig-zag, and follow the track back down to the road at Achriabhach and the start.

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