Glen Loy Oakwood, near Gairlochy

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A quiet walk through forestry, visiting a tract of ancient, hidden oak woodland. Good chance to see wildflowers and wildlife. Take care with any ongoing forestry operations and respect signs.

Terrain

Tracks and paths through forestry plantations and oakwood.

Public Transport

No public transport to walk start.

Start

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

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.5km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1 - 2 hours
Ascent: 100m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN148822

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The B8004 offers stunning views across the Great Glen towards Ben Nevis almost throughout its length. Turn off the B8004 onto the forest track just east of the bridge over the River Loy (signed 'Erracht'), then fork right uphill opposite the house and garages; there is then space to park on the right hand side before the locked gate. The walk begins through the pedestrian gate and heads along the forestry track.

Stage 2

Eventually the track forks, keep on the left, lower track. Further on at a second junction take the right fork. This part of the walk leads between spruce and fir trees, but there are many wildflowers alongside the track including spectacular foxgloves in June. Eventually the conifers are replaced at last by fine oak trees, and a large turning area is passed - continue on the track beyond.

Stage 3

Shortly after this note a path going off to the left - this is used on the return. Instead take a narrow path on the right just after this, heading up through the oakwoods themselves. It winds between the magnificent lichen-covered oak trees, with hazels, birch and rowans alongside. Regeneration is good - there are many oak saplings, safe from browsing deer in this fenced area. The path bends round to the left and winds back downhill, re-emerging on the forest track.

Stage 4

Turn left, and just further on you will reach where you turned up into the oakwood a short time ago. This time follow the path which turns off to the right, plunging downhill. The path soon meets a track close by the River Loy. Turn left along this track.

Stage 5

This part of the forest is dominated by the hazel and birch; look out for dragonflies, red squirrels and pine martens. Another turning area is eventually reached; continue on the main track to rejoin the outward route at the fork mentioined earlier. Bear right to return to the start.

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