River Oich, Fort Augustus

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Summary

This is a straightforward walk on forest tracks and a lovely path alongside the River Oich. There is the chance of seeing red squirrels amongst the Scots pines.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Easy going, almost flat, walk on forest track and riverside path.

Public Transport

No public transport to the start which can be reached on foot from Fort Augustus following the signs for Auchterawe and then River Walk.

Start

Forestry commission River Oich car park and picnic area towards Auchteraw. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 6km / 3.75 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 33m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH367090

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

Just past the main car park in Fort Augustus going towards Inverness, turn up a steep hill called Bunoich Brae and signed for Auchteraw. After a play area and car park turn left and then left again following signs for Auchteraw. Follow a sign to the left for the Forestry Commission car park and picnic area just beyond the Forestry Commission building. Take the path from the car park signed River Walk and waymarked in blue. Almost immediately there is a fork - keep right through birch woodland and over a bridge. When the path emerges onto a track turn left through pine plantation. The track then follows a long straight section with a felled area on the left.

Stage 2

Ignore the path off to the right, continuing ahead along the track, with some impressive Scots pine trees. At a couple of points paths off to the left lead straight to the river and offer the chance to shorten the walk.

Stage 3

Eventually a junction is reached; one main track curves left, another keeps straight ahead - our route is turn left onto a path at the waymarker. The path soon reaches the River Oich and turns left to follow a riverbank path.

Stage 4

The river is a popular salmon fishery and the path has a number of grassy areas that can be used by fisherman or for picnics. There are several benches along this section. The path goes through some beech woodland before crossing a a bridge.

Stage 5

As the walk continues the tow path of the Caledonian Canal can be seen on the far bank and the overflow outlet from the canal into the river. After crossing a small stream the path heads left away from the river and back to the car park

Route Profile

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