Tollie to Slattadale on Loch Maree

Summary

This fine linear walk follows a broad hill path over a low moorland pass, and gives great views over Loch Maree's islands to the mountains beyond. The terrain is mostly open moors and is rough in places, before a final section which is very boggy. The time and distance given is for the one-way walk.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Clear path; uphill section gives excellent going but the path is rougher, eroded and can be very wet in places.

Getting there

Start

Parking at either end of the walk. At Tollie there is a layby on the A832 10 metres downhill from the walk start.

Public Transport

There is an infrequent bus service joining both ends of the walk.

Start Grid Ref

NG859790

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 275m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

The time and distance given are for one way but this would also make a good round trip as the views are different in each direction. As a round trip from Slattadale an extra 3 miles could be added on to allow a visit to Poolewe by walking along the road from Tollie before returning. For the one-way walk to Slattadale, there is a parking area on the A832 about 1.5 miles south of Poolewe. To the south east there are good views to the Tollie Bay and the foot of Loch Maree.

Stage 2

The walk starts along a new section of path from here which soon joins the old right of way. Follow the path as it leads to a new bridge over a burn and then passes through a gate. Further on a second burn is crossed on stepping stones, before the path climbs in stages up the moor.

Stage 3

Creag Mhòr Thollaidh provides an impressive buttress on the left as the path winds up the hillside, crossing the burn again. Eventually a small lochan is seen over to the left - in the summer this is often full of flowering waterlilies. Looking ahead, the path climbs towards a small rocky peak. A small stone cairn marks the high point of the pass as the Torridon mountains come into view in the distance.

Stage 4

Follow the path - now rocky and rough - as it begins the descent towards Loch Maree. Here it follows a line of electricity poles. The islands on Loch Maree now come into view. These islands are home to some of Scotland's oldest pinewoods, with the present day trees directly descended from the first Scots pine to colonise the area about 8,000 years ago. Today the islands are a National Nature Reserve. Continue on the path downhill - eroded in places - until it levels off and turns south to cross low growing alder and heather with open views across the Loch.

Stage 5

The path continues to skirt Loch Maree and then crosses a small stream before going through a gate into a felled area of forestry, becoming very boggy. The path crosses npw open ground and climbs uphill to a viewpoint with great views across the Loch to Letterewe and the mountains beyond, Slioch is dominant if looking down the Loch.

Stage 6

Continue through the felled area; pine martens are present in this area but rarely seen. The path undulates on a stony track until reaching a ford. If the stream is too high, a short diversion path signed for a bridge can be taken. After the ford the path soon reaches the picnic area, toilets and car park at Slattadale.

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