Loch Ness, Highland
★★★
The scattered rural community of Abriachan occupies a minor hanging valley above the west bank of Loch Ness, and it’s home to something pretty amazing. The Abriachan Forest Trust – a local community enterprise – has developed a very extensive network of trails, outdoor activities and structures including treehouses, Bronze Age hut and hillside shieling; we were very impressed indeed, and we’re sure it will charm children and adults alike. Paths also climb to the top of the local hill – Carn na Leitire – for panoramic views across the Great Glen region. The series of reconstructed buildings ends after a steep detour to a reconstructed “illicit” whisky still, before the excitement level is dialled down a notch (or ten) for the rather monotonous return along forest tracks.
Chronological photo guide
Location
O.S. Grid Reference: NH 540353
GPS coordinates: 57.385056,-4.429788
Bus stops at Clansman Hotel on A82 (1 mi from reconstructed whisky still on east side of route, via uphill link path)
Car park
Key info
10 km / 6 mi | ▲ 260 m |
3 hr
Features:
Abriachan Forest Trust various sculptures / buildings;
Loch Laide; △ Carn na Leitire (434 m)
⬤ Moderate | Clear paths (with steepish ascent to summit) and lengthy track return. Some complicated route finding due to density of path network – map advised.
Clockwise circuit with detours to various attractions: start & playground – pond – miniature treehouse – Loch Laide hide – large treehouse – Bronze Age hut – Carn na Leitire – shieling – whisky still – start
On our last visit
Wildlife: Little grebes on Loch Laide, small birds in the woods.
Weather: Cloudy with sunny spells, moderate wind on the summit, temperature in mid teens.
July 2020
