An circular walk taking in the contrasting landscapes, wildlife and flowers of the watery interior moorland and the dune habitat of the coastal machair. A good walk to spot birds, listen for corncrakes, and watch the free-roaming ponies.
Moorland path, minor road, grassy tracks on machair.
Bus on A865.
Unsigned Loch Druidibeg parking area, off B890, at bend, just east of A865 .
To reach the parking area turn east off the main A865 and drive along the B890 on the north side of Loch Druidibeg to reach a small parking area on the right near a bend in the road. From here walk along the grassy track into the reserve by passing through the middle gate of three, marked as part of the Hebridean Way.
Follow the improved path through the heather and over some boardwalk sections. The path now meanders over the moorland with views of Loch Druidibeag to the right. Looking south east there are views of the three largest peaks on South Uist, Beinn Mhor, Beinn Choradail and Hecla. The path crosses two footbridges - one of which has the steps missing at the end and so requires a big step down - and there is also one very boggy section. Eventually it aims southwest where the land narrows between the varied expanses of water.
Eventually the path leads onto a grassy track and leads through farmland to eventually emerge on the main road. Cross this and take the road directly opposite, signed for Dreumasdal (Drimsdale). There are views out to the remains of Caisteal Bheagram out on an island in Loch an Eilean to the left. Keep left the road forks to follow a track to the left of Drumsdale House. At a cross-tracks, turn right along the route of the Machair Way.
Continue along this track, with eventually Loch Stadhlaigearraidh visible to the right. At a cross-tracks keep ahead, following a muddy track between two fences. The track eventually leads into an open grassy field. Cross this directly ahead, with Loch Groigearraidh on the right, to reach another fence. Continue ahead once again until a track is reached at a gate, near the edge of a weapons testing area. Turn right here and follow the track which becomes a road at a large white house. Continue to reach the main road at a cross-roads and go straight across.
You are now on the minor road that passes north of Loch Druidibeag back to the start. There are good open views, and this part of the walk is often frequented by free-roaming ponies.
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