Fairy Lochs, near Badachro

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Summary

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.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

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

Parking at start of hydro track. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 6km / 3.75 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 230m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG807723

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (8)

Stage 1

The walk starts along a hydro track off the B8056 just southeast of the Shieldaig Lodge hotel; there is parking for about 5 cars by the road at the start of the track. The start is marked by a public footpath sign, but there are two tracks - start up the one nearest Gairloch, passing a fine modern building associated with the hdryo works. Continue along the track, passing some livestock pens and ignoring a minor branch off right.

Stage 2

Continue for another 100 metres to a sign - 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 the big hydro track is again reached. Turn right on the track, which is hard underfoot but provides quick walking. It soon passes the smaller Lochan Fuar.

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.

Route Profile

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