Meall a' Ghlas Leothaid and Bad na Sgalag pinewood

Summary

This delightful circuit visits the replanted and regenerating Loch Bad na Sgalag native pinewood using its very rough but marked trails. It begins with a steep ascent to a superb viewpoint; further on there are waterfalls and lochs and a chance to see wildlife.

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Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Rough hill paths with many very boggy sections. Some find the path through the gorge at Stage 7 to be slightly airy.

Getting there

Start

Car park by a large shed 500m east of Loch Bad an Sgalaig.

Public Transport

Inverness- Gairloch bus service.

Start Grid Ref

NG856720

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 360m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

Park in the small car park beside the green shed a few hundred metres east of Loch Bad an Sgalaig. The walk begins on the track opposite, with a large wooden sign proclaiming 'Bad na Sgalag pinewood'. Pass the wooden information shelter and cross the bridge across the outflow of the reedy Am Feur-loch and ascends gently at first; there is a distant view of the northern buttresses of Baosbheinn. Continue as the track passes through a gate in the deer fence and enters the Bad na Sgalag native pinewood.

Stage 2

Over a million native trees have been planted by the estate over an area of several square miles; at the present time the trees are small and need protection from overgrazing by deer, but in time it is hoped the forest will regenerate enough to allow removal of the fence. After 250m the yellow route goes off right (used on the return); keep ahead for another 200m until a small cairn on the right indicates the start of a faint, narrow path into the trees, soon passing a marker post. Continue up through the trees; when the path reaches a gully the route turns left up it, then right again to climb very steeply up rough ground to the ridge.

Stage 3

The going now eases a little and there are good views looking back. The path runs along the knobbly ridge, passing to the right of a tiny lochan at one point, before climbing up to a neat cairn with a view indicator on the summit of Meall a' Ghlas Leothaid. The view from here is sensational, especially over Loch Bad na Sgalaig and the Dubh Loch to the sea, with the Isle of Skye and distant Lewis visible beyond in clear conditions.

Stage 4

The path continues from the summit along the ridge, passing another cairned top. It then passes between rocks, slightly on the left side of the ridge, and continues down to a bealach. Don't ascend the peak beyond, instead following the marker posts that indicate a descent to the NE (left), heading all the way down to the main path (former track) below. Here you can cut the walk short as a left turn would lead directly back to the start, but to continue the longer circuit turn right.

Stage 5

The path now climbs, with views over to Lochan a Chleirich on the left and the mountain fortress of Slioch in the distance. Well beyond the high point a smaller track goes off to the right, with a yellow waymarker post. Turn right onto this track; you are following the yellow markers from now on. The track winds downhill and becomes a soggy path. Once down to the boggy flat ground the path bears right, still marked by waymarker posts.

Stage 6

The original path led to the site of a bridge which has now washed away, so when two marker posts close together at right angles to the path are reached turn left, leaving the path ahead and following a line of posts that lead to a bridge above a waterfall. Cross it and turn right, walking across the moors parallel to the far bank of the river - the path is very boggy and marked with occasional posts.

Stage 7

The path now continues along the southwest side of a little gorge cutting across steep slopes which require care - some walkers report finding this exposed. Eventually path descends to another, larger, bridge, with a handrail on only one side. Cross this with care and follow the path down to the deer fence beside Loch Bad an Sgalaig. The river falls down into the loch in a series of impressive waterfalls.

Stage 8

Soon the path comes alongside a deer fence and bears right alongside it, with views over Loch Bad na Sgalaig on the far side. Note the ancient stumps of pine trees by the loch shores - a reminder of the original Caledonian forest here, now being restored through regeneration.

Stage 9

After 0.5km or so the path turns right away from the fence, following a line of marker posts that climb up past trees towards a notch, crossing a low pass between the rocky hills. The path then descends and bears slightly left through trees to rejoin the track followed earlier; turn left to return to the car park.

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