Ceum an Fhraoich (Heather path), Dundreggan

Summary

The Dundreggan Rewilding Centre - run by Trees for Life - has four waymarked routes through the beautiful native woodlands that surround it. This is the longest of the trails, climbing through the beautiful regenerating woodland to the moors above for fine views Glen Moriston.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Good track for ascent, then rougher path through heather; some boggy sections. Narrower woodland path on return.

Getting there

Start

Dundreggan Rewilding Centre car park.

Public Transport

The Inverness - Skye bus passes the start.

Start Grid Ref

NH331146

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.25km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 206m (Profile)

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Explorer 415 - Glen Affric

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

The walk begins from the Dundreggan Rewilding centre car park; the visitor centre here includes a cafe. There are four waymarked trails, this is the longest. Begin the walk by following the path along the right side of the visitor centre, passing the dipping pond and play area to reach and pass through a gate.

Stage 2

At the fork beyond, take the right hand path. This surfaced path soon turns left - leave it here and follow the grassier track into the mature birch woodland ahead, waymarked as Ceum an Fhraoich.

Stage 3

Stay on the main track when it curves left (waymarked) - ignoring the unmarked track ahead. The track becomes rougher and is wet underfoot in places, but the woodland, with its understorey of juniper and scattered Scots pines amongst the birches, is stunning, and there are increasingly good views as height is gained.

Stage 4

When another junction is reached, again turn left as waymarked, ignoring the track continuing ahead. The route now leaves the woods for heather moor, with more open views across Glen Moriston as the grassy track continues to gain height. A marker post indicates the point at which to fork left for an ATV-style track/path - from this point the walk becomes wetter underfoot.

Stage 5

The going becomes especially wet as the path continues towards to a deer fence; bear left downhill by this. The fence encloses Allt Ruadh planting area, being nursed back to ecological health through the rewilding program. Do not pass through the gate on your right, instead turning left on a path that follows the deer fence at first, before divering from it to pass to the right of a group of mature trees. The path becomes quite narrow on this part of the descent. At a t-junction of paths, turn right (still following the purple markers).

Stage 6

The route descends to the right of a wooded ravine, passing eventually into denser woodland once more. Towards the bottom of the slope the route bears left to ford a shallow burn and some slightly boggy ground. It then slopes uphill to reach and join a surfaced path - part of the Ceum an Daraich (Oak Path). Turn right along this, following it downhill to pass the tree nursery and eventually return to the rewilding centre at the start.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Fort Augustus cottages

Foyers, Dores cottages

Loch Ness hostels

Glamping and Camping

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