Travel and the Coronavirus pandemic

Leisure travel is currently limited to 5 miles in Scotland
This restriction is to be lifted on 3rd July. Self-catering accommodation with its own facilities may reopen from that date.
Other accommodation businesses are expected to be able to reopen from July 15.

Mallaig circuit

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This pleasant circuit has good views over Mallaig harbour and across Loch Nevis to Knoydart. A good way to spent spare time whilst waiting for a ferry.

Terrain

Well constructed paths; includes some ascent

Public Transport

Bus or train to Mallaig.

Start

Mallaig East Bay car park. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Users' reports

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 3km / 1.75 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 129m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NM679969

Maps, App and GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Mallaig is small working fishing-port which grew up during the herring boom of the 1800s and later benefited from the construction of the railway from Glasgow. Today it is a bustling, working port with few pretentions but a spectacular location. Park at the East Bay car park; this parking area runs right round the front. The start of the walk is next to the bungalow with a red roof which is itself adjacent to the 'Springbank' Guest house; there is a sign indicating 'Circular walk' just a short way up the path between the properties. The path has a roughly paved surface at first; as it passes up behind the bungalows it passes through a gate.

Stage 2

As the path gains height there are a couple of benches with views back over Mallaig. Further on the path forks; the left branch leads to the housing estates on the edge of Mallaig, so instead fork right. The route then enters an empty, peaceful little glen completely hidden from the town.

Stage 3

Further on a signpost is reached indicating a path off to the right for Loch an Nostarie. Don't take this turning (which is a longer, wetter walk), but if the weather is good it is worth detouring up the branch to the left here instead for a view from the hilltop.

Stage 4

To continue the walk, continue on the main path which now begins to descend. In good weather there are great views ahead across Loch Nevis to the mountains of Knoydart.

Stage 5

The path soon joins the driveway from an attractive white cottage over to the right; bear left continuing along this drive; there are now views to the Sleat peninsula of Skye. Continue along the track until it meets a tarmac road.

Stage 6

Turn left along the road to return to Mallaig. The road leads into a housing estate and joins another road at a sharp bend; take the lower branch road here, bearing right. This road soon slopes down to the harbourside and leads back to the start.

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