Loch Eireagoraidh, near Mallaig

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Summary

This out-and-back walk visits a lonely loch hidden in the rough moorland southeast of Mallaig. Those looking for a short (and dry!) stroll can simply amble as far as Loch an Nostarie - the route becomes very wet underfoot beyond.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

2.66667/5

Rating

Terrain

After the first stretch to Loch an Nostarie it is extremely boggy and the path is lost to the bog at various points.

Public Transport

Bus or train to Mallaig. Glasnacardoch is one kilometre away.

Start

Glasnacardoch, 1 kilometre south of Mallaig. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 9km / 5.5 miles
Time: 3 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 265m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NM676956

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

The walk begins off the Glasnacardoch road about 100m from its junction with the new A830(T) to Mallaig. A signpost indicates the start ('Loch Eireagoraidh, 4.5km'); there is parking in a car park a short distance north along the road. From the signpost, follow the tarmac drive which soon passes underneath the railway and leads to a large white house. Go through the gate on the right and continue, now on a track.

Stage 2

The track soon becomes a good path, and continues across the moorland. Look out for the remains of a WW2 Bren Gun carrier, used in the construction of Mallaig's water supply. After a little over a kilometre, a picnic table by the shores of Loch an Nostarie is reached. The good path ends here. Go through a metal gate on the left and a now very boggy path heads round above the loch, gradually rising above it (don't stay by the shore). The path is braided and can be hard to follow through the bogs but there are occasional marker posts.

Stage 3

A wooden signpost is eventually reached indicating a path off uphill to the left that leads back to Mallaig. Our route is follow the other branch, continuing to the east and signed for 'Loch Eireagoraidh'. The path now continues across the moor, crossing the Allt a' Bhainne on the boulders; at times it follows the line of an old hydro track but this is largely lost. Eventually it rises to a large kissing gate in the deer fence. Continue up the deteriorating path.

Stage 4

The path is soon lost in the bog. Continue to the right of the broken down fence until you reach an old iron gate; go through this. You are heading for the narrow glen between the two crags ahead; aim left slightly across the next boggy stretch and the path reappears and improves a little as the glen is reached.

Stage 5

Towards the end of the glen there is a concrete cistern with a rain gage, and just beyond this is a small weir and Loch Eireagoraidh. This lonely loch is the water source for Mallaig and Morar, hence all the hydro posts across the moor.

Stage 6

Return to the start using the same route. There are superb views ahead to Rum on the final stretch.

Route Profile

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