Loch Scalpaidh, near Kyle of Lochalsh

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A short walk to a little visited and extremely peaceful freshwater loch, a quiet haven just a stone's throw from the busy A87 road.

Terrain

Good path throughout, initially steep.

Public Transport

Good public transport to Kyle of Lochalsh by both bus and train (1.5 km away); you could ask the Citilink bus drivers to stop at the layby at the very start of the walk.

Start

Layby on north side of A87, 1.5 kilometres east of Kyle. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 2.75km / 1.75 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 125m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG777274

Maps / GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park in the layby on the north side of the A87 1.5 kilometres east of Kyle of Lochalsh. There is a wooden public footpath sign at the start of the path. The path is excellent at first and climbs very steeply through attractive birch woodland; the view behind you across to the Kylerhea hills on Skye improves with every step.

Stage 2

The gradient eases slightly and a signed crossroads of footpaths is reached where the route intersects with the Balmacara to Kyle of Lochalsh walk. For Loch Scalpaidh, continue straight on, passing through a kissing gate. The path then bears slightly left through the grass and into more attractive birch woodland.

Stage 3

Beyond the woods, the path improves once more and continues up the left side of the valley, reaching a stile. Cross the stile and the route bears right and then left between the rocks.

Stage 4

It then passes to the right of a small copse before arriving on the shores of Loch Scalpaidh. This is an incredibly peaceful spot, being little visited; there is a distant view across the loch of the Applecross mountains. The return to the start is by the same route; alternatively, it is possible to continue round the east side of the loch before heading up to the Erbusaig - Balmacara road.

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