Allt Muick butterfly reserve, Loch Arkaig

This short waymarked walk climbs through the sparse birch woodland on the north side of Loch Arkaig. From mid-May to late June this walk offers a great chance to spot Chequered Skipper butterflies, whose caterpillars hibernate here through the winter.

Terrain

Waymarked grass and earth trail, very boggy in places.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Allt Muick butterfly reserve car park, Loch Arkaig. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 1.75km / 1 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 85m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN120911

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk begins from the signed car park and heads through the gate next to the picnic table. It is marked throughout by wooden posts with a carved butterfly symbol. The grassy path climbs uphill through widely-spaced birch trees.

Stage 2

Grand views open up looking back over Loch Arkaig as height is gained. As well as the chequered skippers, look out for pearl-bordered fritillaries which also live here. The ground becomes very boggy at one point before the route eventually passes through a gate onto a track.

Stage 3

Turn left on the track, crossing the bridge over the Allt Muick - there are some attractive waterfalls here. A short distance further a post and gate indicates where the path begins the descent down the far side. Soon the path comes closer to the burn and offers views of more waterfalls.

Stage 4

Just beyond this the route passes to the right of some old stone ruins. It crosses a small side burn on stones before continuing the descent.

Stage 5

At the road turn left to head back to the car park at the start.

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