Forestry Commission Walks

Walks from 'Nevis View' · Great Glen Routes · Routebook · Home

The original habitat in the Great Glen was broadleaf woodland or Oak, Birch, Ash, Wild cherry, Rowan, Alder and Hazel in the valley bottoms and on the lower south-facing slopes. Higher up and on north-facing slopes were Scots Pine, Birch and Juniper. Over time most of these original woodlands were cleared and now there are a few remnants including those at Glen Loy, Leiterfearn, Chia-aig and Glen Garry. Following the formation of the Forestry Commission in 1919 large areas were planted in the 1920's and 1930's, and also in the 1950's and 1960's. Some of the earlier plantations are now becoming mature and as they are cropped are more sympathetic forest (more diversity of species and more natural borders) is being replanted.

The closest walk is to Strone Viewpoint. Walk up up to the road and turn right. A short distance along is an obvious access point with a stile (GR 143811). Follow this track up through the forestry and after about ½ mile take a left turn. Continue along this track to the edge of the forest, where you will have a splendid view across to Ben Nevis, and if you look down of the buildings at Muirshearlich. If you want it is possible to return straight down the marshy rough pastures - the fence near the road has a gate slightly to the west (right) of the direct line.

A little further along the B8004, just past Glen Loy, is the waymarked Errocht Oakwood Walk (GR 149821). When the spruce planted during the 1930's was felled the Forestry Commission decided to extend the areas of semi-natural oak woodland by encouraging natural regeneration from seed. This is a lightly longer walk but with less ascent and descent.

There is also a walk at Chia-aig (GR 176889). You will want to drive to this walk as it's about 10 miles from 'Nevis View'. Chia-aig waterfall and the Witches Cauldron beneath it is spectacular, especially after heavy rain, and cinema-goers may recognise it as one of the locations in Rob Roy (or was it Braveheart?) where the pursued hero jumped off a bridge to escape. Apparently when it was shot there was rather too much water coming over the falls and it all turned out to be rather over-exciting for the participants! There are also a few remnants of the ancient Caledonian pine forest here, and some magnificent views towards Ben Nevis, Aonach Mor and the Grey Corries. This walk also has Prince Charlie associations - a small shelter in the rocks just behind the highest viewpoint is alleged to be one of the many places he hide in following the defeat at Culloden.

Finally, there are a couple of walks in the Leanachan Forest starting from the Nevis Range car park (GR 172 773), again a short drive from 'Nevis View'. The shorter of the two is in an area recently felled and replanted, and rises to give a view of the base station and surrounding hills. The second and longer walk crosses and recrosses the River Lundy through and area noted for butterflies. These are both fairly gentle low-level walks.

More details of these and other walks can be found in the Forest Enterprise leaflet 'The Great Glen'.