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Loch an Nostarie and Mallaig

  • Loch an Nostarie
  • The well surfaced walk from the B8008 to Loch an Nostarie
  • Picnic bench at Loch an Nostarie
  • Loch an Nostarie - there is an alternate path by the loch edge
  • The walk is well waymarked
  • The three colour coded walks
  • The walk can be boggy at times
  • The walk joins the Mallaig Cicular Walk
  • The fishing port of Mallaig
  • The walk returns on the B8008

Details

A lovely circular walk on a fine day around Loch an Nostarie across the hills to Mallaig.  There are spectacular views of Loch an Nostarie with its pine studded islands, as well as the surroundings hills and crags.  There is also an opportunity to explore the picturesque fishing port of Mallaig, providing an ideal spot on route for coffee or lunch.  There is a nice picnic spot by Loch an Nostarie near the start of the circular walk.

Look out for divers and ducks on the loch, and raptors, including buzzard and golden eagle, on the hills. 

This walk is best done in fine weather and should only be done by an experience hill walker in less favourable weather conditions, with some map navigation required.   After prolonged or heavy rain, the terrain can be extremely boggy and some of streams crossing may be difficult or impassable.

A shorter 'there and back' option to the picnic bench by the northern shore of the hill loch, Loch an Nostarie, is also delightful.

Route Details

1. Park in the car park at Glasnacardoch on the B8008 just off the A830, approximately 1 km south of Mallaig. 

The walk heads along a gravelled track to Glasnacardoch House, and is signposted to Nostarie and Eireagoraidh.  Follow the track by the houses and through a metal gate.  The path passes through rough pasture and Calluna heath, with Eric tetralix and Bog Myrtle (Myrica gale) in the wetter areas.  There are good views of the surrounding hills; look out for raptors and corvids. 

2. The path soon reaches the northern shores of Loch Nostarie, where there is a welcome picnic bench.  This first part of the walk is on good path suitable for all abilities.

3. You can either return by the same route at this stage, or continue around the loch and across the hills back to Mallaig.

4. If continuing, follow the path ahead through a gate/stile and skirt around the shore of the loch, keeping right and following the way marker posts.  The path is rather indistinct in places and crosses rough pasture.  The route can be very boggy at this stage and involves crossing a few streams and ditches.  However, the effort is rewarded by the superb views of Loch an Nostarie with its pine studded islands. 

5. After crossing a large stream, veer left heading inland towards a wooden directional sign post on the hill.  Take the route signposted Mallaig via Circular Walk.  Look out for the spectacular lichens and bryophytes encrusting the rock and outcrops.   As the path heads through the hills, turn back on occasion to admire the fantastic views of the loch and the surrounding hills, which are magical on a sunny day. 

6. The path passes through two gates in deer fences and is generally well defined, though boggy.  Look out for the waymarker posts on route.  There are good views across Loch Nevis to the Knoydart peninsula and Skye on a fine day.

7. Turn left at the T-junction where the path joins the Mallaig Circular walk and head down towards Mallaig (the circular walk has a signpost to Loch an Nostarie at this junction). The path descends between the surrounding hills with good views of heather clad hills.  As you descend the picturesque working harbour of Mallaig comes into view.

8. Turn left at the tarmac road where the circular walk ends by a Bed and Breakfast establishment, and head towards Mallaig.  Once in Mallaig, take time to explore the fishing port with its many restaurants, cafes and shops. 

9. When ready, head back up the hill on the B8008 to Glasnacardoch by the newsagents and Spar store.  The road passes by the school and swimming pool.  The return route is rather steep.  Admire the costal views and village on route.  Cross over the railway bridge, looking out for the Harry Potter Express and descend to the car park.

Location

starting grid ref: 

NM675956

grade: 

  • moderate

terrain: 

boggy path, track and road

length: 

5.8km (3.6 miles)

Type: 

  • circular

Map: 

OS Explorer 398 - Mallaig

OS Map

>>view map in full window

Google Map

Safety

Route details and information are provided in good faith.  All walking is potentially dangerous and it is your responsibility to ensure that you are properly dressed and equipped, have a map and compass, have checked and planned your route in advance and are able to navigate effectively.  Maps displayed on these walking pages are intended as an overview of the walk and are NOT suitable for navigation.  Please follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and respect landowners and residents' privacy.  Always check the weather forecast and let others know if you are walking in the hills.

Walking

  • Walking Overview
  • Map of All Walks
  • Ardnamurchan and Moidart
  • Arisaig, Mallaig and Glenfinnan
  • Fort William and Glen Nevis
  • Glencoe, Loch Leven & Argyll
Booking.com
Booking.com

Holiday Cottages in Fort William and Lochaber

Mingary Castle
Mingary Castle

Mingary Castle, former stronghold of the MacIans of Ardnamurchan, has been recently restored and is a now a luxurious hotel.  It has four unique suites sleeping a total of 10 and offers castle guests a 10 course tasting menu in the grand dining room.  Well placed to explore The Ardnamurchan Peninsula and also for the ferry from Kilchoan to Tobermory on The Isle of Mull.

Tides - Mallaig


Arisaig Mallaig Glenfinnan Walking Pages

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  • Bourblach Beach at Morar
  • Camusdarach Beach and Beyond
  • Fassfern
  • Glen Beasdale
  • Glenfinnan Viaduct and Station
  • Glenfinnan Viewpoints
  • Larachmhor Garden Walk
  • Loch a Bhada Dharaich
  • Loch an Nostarie and Mallaig
  • Loch Morar
  • Mallaig Circular
  • Prince Charlie's Cave and Borrodale Beach
  • Strath of Arisaig & Camas Ghaoideil

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