Fairy Lochs, near Badachro

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A short circular hillwalk into an area of small rocky hills with many small lochs, collectively known as the Fairy Lochs locally as they lie below Sithean Mor (the fairy hill). Excellent views to both the coastline and mountains, the route visits a memorial marking the site of a fatal air-crash from World War 2.

Terrain

First part after leaving track is very boggy though there is a rough path over exposed moorland (water/windproofs essential). Hard surface hydro track for return.

Public Transport

No public transport.

Start

Car park just west of the Shieldaig hotel. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Currently 3.67/518

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk starts along a track off the B8056 just southeast of the Shieldaig Lodge hotel, the hotel allows non-residents to park in their car park off the B8056 just west of the hotel unless it is very busy. The hotel asks that people park safely and do not obstruct other cars or the road. There is also very limited verge parking where the track leaves the road and layby parking further west along the road, take care not to block passing places and entrances. From the car park head back east along the road, passing the hotel. The hydro track on the right is marked by a public footpath sign and mountainous country warning. Go along the track, passing a building and some livestock pens. Keep ahead when a track forks off right.

Stage 2

Continue for another 100 metres to a sign and a tiny cairn - turn left here up a narrow path. A short distance on this path forks once more at another small cairn; again take the leftmost path, which heads up towards the birchwood and passes through part of it, continuing to climb uphill. The surface is rough, both rocky and boggy, and care is needed to stay on route. The path crosses a boggy area and bears right - there is another signpost. There are superb views back over Loch Gairloch.

Stage 3

There are cairns at intervals along the way. The path gains further height, eventually reaching a deer fence and passing through a gate. On the far side follow the path as it keeps to the right above a loch. There are great views to the surrounding hills, dominated by Baosbheinn ('The Wizard's Mountain').

Stage 4

Eventually the path begins to descend towards the left side of a second lochan. There is a pile of aircraft remains next to a rock, together with a nearby engine whilst a propeller sticks out of the loch. This sad reminder is the scene of an aircrash when a USAAF Liberator carrying troops back home from World War 2 slammed into the hillside, killing all 15 on board. It is a dedicated war memorial and it is forbidden to move any of the wreckage.

Stage 5

Continue on the now fainter path which keeps around the left side of the lochan. At the far end of the lochan the path continues ahead but becomes faint and very boggy - it is marked first by cairns atop rocky outcrops.

Stage 6

It leads down to a much larger body of water, Loch Braigh Horrisdale, where a hydro track is reached. Turn right on the track which is hard underfoot but provides quick walking.

Stage 7

After leaving the loch the track descends back down to the glen and rejoins the outward route - keep ahead to return to the road and the start.

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Fairy Lochs, near Badachro

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Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Users' reports

Walk Statistics

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