Ben Lawers nature trail

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This short nature trail begins at the Ben Lawers car park, giving easy access to the mid-level slopes of the mountain, a National Nature Reserve which is renowned for its remarkable arctic-alpine flora.

Terrain

Rough path on the uphill section of the nature trail; the route then follows an excellent path back downhill.

Public Transport

Start

Ben Lawers car park (charge). Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 2km / 1.25 miles
Time: 45 mins - 1 hour
Ascent: 115m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN608377

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Start at the Ben Lawers car park on the west side of the road (parking charge). The area is designated as a National Nature Reserve and is owned by the National Trust for Scotland. Begin the walk by heading through the walled intepretation area and on the surfaced path to a gate. Go through this and cross the road to continue on the path, with views to Beinn Ghlas ahead. Soon the deer fence protecting the flora of the Nature Reserve (from grazing sheep and deer) is reached; enter it through the large gate. The difference in vegetation on each side of the fence is obvious.

Stage 2

Immediately turn right off the main path (which is the usual ascent route to Ben Lawers) and follow the smaller nature trail path, crossing a footbridge over the burn. The path heads up the far side of the Edramucky Burn. In spring, look out for many species of wild flowers - some of them rare such as varieties of saxifrage. The bouldery bed of the burn is attractive too; the path crosses back to the left side for a while before crossing once more back to the right on stepping stones. It then climbs slightly to give a view of Loch Tay.

Stage 3

The views to the mountains are impressive too. Meall Corranaich is uphill to the left with the peak of Beinn Ghlas to its right; Beinn Ghlas hides Ben Lawers when seen from this area and is often mistaken for it. Looking back, the rocky slopes of Meall nan Tarmachan can be seen.

Stage 4

Further up the main path to Ben Lawers is reached once more, often busy with walkers. Turn left down the path, crossing over the burn once more. The well maintained path gives easy going as it descends back towards the start. The visitor centre is clearly visible ahead and the outward route is rejoined just before leaving the fenced area and heading back to the car park.

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