This pleasant circuit from the town of Alness runs out through the golf course at first before exploring the mature woodland on the banks of the River Averon.
Bog Factor
Clear paths, golf course and minor road, with a short section of very steep path.
Former Averon Leisure Centre car park, Alness .
Bus and train services to Alness.
NH655696
From the car park behind the Averon Centre (now closed) walk back through the vehicular access road and turn left and follow the street out of town. Climb gently uphill and then turn left onto a tarred lane signed for Golf Course Circular Walk. Fork right onto a track to pass the electricity sub-station; the going is briefly boggy. The path then joins a track - keep ahead to reach the golf course, with the river off to the left. The next section of the walk is along the golf course; great care is needed to watch for golfers - give way to them when they are playing shots. Keep to the right of the initial green, fairway and tee, then after passing a second hole, it is better to keep to the left side by the fence. Opposite the fifteenth tee you can bypass part of the course on the path to the left. Ignore several stiles over the fence on the left.
Follow the fence until there is a signpost and a footbridge that also carries a pipeline. Here turn left to head down steps and cross the bridge. On the far side the walk heads upstream for over a kilometre before returning to this point.
Follow the path until it forks just before a grassy area of riverbank. Take the track uphill to the left, then turn right when it reaches a t-junction. Follow the track which returns to a particularly beautiful stretch of river, with some attractive cottages on the far side. Continue until the track ends at a sharp bend in the river - this is a favourite spot for fishermen. From here, retrace your steps back to the bridge crossed earlier.
Do not cross but continue downstream. After climbing some steps the path forks; take the left branch, remaining by the river. Continue on the path above the river, keeping left at a fork, with fishing spots visible on the far bank. Further on the path heads slightly inland and then climbs steeply, before reaching a clear fork. Take the left branch, heading downhill.
Follow this until it levels off and keep near the river to pass through a gateway. The clear path passes through beech and birch trees with the backs of gardens on the right. This path eventually emerges onto a road. Turn left until you reach main street through Alness where you turn left again and cross the bridge to return to the Averon Centre and the start of the walk.
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