Urquhart Bay Woods, Drumnadrochit

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A short stroll through fine alder woodland managed by the Woodland Trust, feeling a world away from the busy tourist hub of Drumnadrochit. There used to be a footbridge giving access to the shores of Loch Ness, but now this optional extension involves crossing a river - possible only when water levels are low.

Terrain

Woodland paths; the route can be flooded after heavy rains.

Public Transport

Buses to Drumnadrochit.

Start

Cemetery car park, Drumnadrochit. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 2km / 1.25 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Ascent: 8m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH515295

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Walk Description

Stage 1

From the A87 in the centre of Drumnadrochit, take the minor road towards Loch Ness side, signed for the Ben Leva hotel. Continue through the area of modern houses and past the hotel to eventually reach an attractive cemetery - there is an unsigned car park opposite. The walk begins from the stile by the bend in the road here alongside the cemetery. Cross the stile and turn left along the track, passing left of the sewage works to reach a gate at the entrance to Urquhart Bay woodlands.

Stage 2

Urquhart Bay woods are an ancient wood situated between the rivers Enrick and Coiltie where both rivers flow out into Loch Ness. After heavy rains, the whole woodland is flooded - this is one of the finest remaining examples of 'wet woodland', where alder trees and others that thrive from floods grow well. The woods are cared for by the Woodland Trust. Once through the gate, continue ahead and then turn right to stay on the well-made path when a smaller one continues ahead. Keep left at the next junction, and follow the path along the banks of the River Enrick.

Stage 3

There are often huge tree trunks and other debris in the river bed, brought down during the floods. Keep left at the next junction. The path becomes stony beach it reaches the confluence of the River Enrick with the smaller River Coiltie - a lovely spot. There used to be a metal suspension bridge across the Coiltie to the right, but this was washed away in floods in 2007; after a long dry spell it is possible to cross the river to the right and then follow it to its outflow on Loch Ness.

Stage 4

Otherwise retrace your steps along the path, turning left this time at the next main junction. Turn right at the next junction and then left again. Soon you'll return to the gate where you entered the woods earlier. Go through the gate and back to the stile to return to the car park.

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