A magical woodland walk through coniferous plantations to the hills beside Loch Moidart.  This is a fairly strenuous, circular walk through mainly coniferous woodland into the hills, with some steep ascents on well defined paths.   Excellent views afforded over Loch Moidart to the Small Isles. 

Look out for wading birds on the mudflats of Loch Moidart, siskins, gold crests and crossbills in the coniferous woodlands, and golden eagles soaring high over the moorland above. Look out for tracks and signs of pine marten. 

Route Details

1. The Ardmolich Walk starts from the car park on the A861,  Kinlochmoidart.  Park at the carpark where there is an interpretation board introducing the walks around Ardmolich.  Head off along the gravelled path through the magical mixed spruce plantations, strewn with an abundance of bryophytes. Listen out for the high-pitched lilts,  ’twangy’ calls and deep ‘chup, chup’ calls of gold crests, siskins, coal tits and crossbills respectively. 

2. The path descends initially, and passes through a gate/stile from where the path begins to ascend steeply.  There is a welcome bench on route for a short rest, affording good views of Loch Moidart and The Small Isles. 

3. Once over the hill, take the right hand path by the coast and then the left path after another 200 metres heading up through the oak and birch woodland, following the streamline.  The path ascends rather steeply but the effort is rewarded by good views of Loch Moidart on looking back. There is an abundance of bryophytes and lichens on the rocks, stumps and trunks of the trees, interspersed with Calluna-Erica understory, and also some fine ancient oaks on route. 

4. Turn right where the path diverges, skirting by a spruce plantation.  The path heads on a grassy track ascending onto the open heath.  Head towards the viewpoint, where there is a welcome bench with fabulous views of Loch Moidart.  This is a great place for a picnic or coffee break.  The path continues along the heath a little further to another viewpoint over the Loch. 

5. Return by the same route until you reach the junction where you turned right earlier.  At this T junction, take the path on the right which ascends slightly, initially skirting the edge of a small stream.  There are excellent views of Loch Moidart with its fringe of Atlantic oak woodland as you ascend on this well defined grassy track over the heath.  Look out for dragon flies and other aquatic life in the small pool at the top.

6. The path then descends to another T-junction.  At this point, turn right and continue back along your outbound route to the car park, passing through the magical plantation and by the bench with good views over Loch Moidart.