A peaceful walk on the River Beauly and Lovat Bridge circuit
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With rain and wind the predominant weather features through January and February, there has been little chance of a repeat of the winter weather we enjoyed on this peaceful riverside circuit.
The walk begins at a parking area just after a bridge across the River Beauly between Kilmorack and Kiltarlity. Controversy has raised its head over Lovat Estate's ban on parking at points around this circuit, but this car park is alongside the road and not on estate land, so there's no problem.
From the parking area, cross back over the river bridge, with a view of the hydro-power station up river. At the end of the bridge turn right, across the road, and continue along a track which rises slightly before levelling off. Ignore a path to the right leading down to the river.
Carry straight on through trees with the river below, turning right at a junction to descend a short slope on a path that leads to a gate in a fence. Go through and carry on towards Cruives Lodge, visible ahead. A second gate gives access to a track next to the lodge.
We turned left along this track, staying close to the edge to avoid the sheet of ice covering it. There are glimpses of a weir through the trees.
The track arrives at a red sandstone house where we turned right, rounding the garden of the house. The track then bears left along the riverside, passing a fishing lodge on the corner.
Riverside walking is always attractive and this is a very pleasant section of the route. The track turns into a path, heading towards some woodland.
We passed through the trees, thronged with birdsong on this beautiful sunny day, staying close to the river. The path arrives at a sign on a gate, diverting it round the stunning pink façade of River Beauly Lodge, set in extensive grounds.
At a white gate, where a track enters the grounds of the house, we crossed over, following a path sign which took us back to the river, where we turned left, crossing a small wooden bridge to reach a track.
This initially follows the river then turns away from it, winding through trees, passing fields on the left, with some peaceful countryside views. The track reaches the river again and continues in the direction of Beauly, until the shapely arches of the Lovat Bridge come into view.
Keep straight on here, passing some houses, towards a stable block, turning left along the track in front of it. A minor road is soon reached, where a left turn is made. Follow this road, ignoring two left turns, and keep going past a house on the left.
Look out for a path going off to the right, between fences. Take this path, which skirts around a field beside a fence. At the corner of the fence continue round to the left. At a metal gate keep right and ignore another path off to the right.
The path gets wider and bears right, following the line of the river back towards the starting point.
Route details
River Beauly and Lovat Bridge circuit
Distance 5 miles / 8km
Terrain Tracks, paths and minor road
Start/finish Car parking area on the minor road between Kilmorack and Kiltarlity, just after a bridge over the River Beauly. The minor road is accessed left off the A831, around 1.5km after it leaves the A862 on the outskirts of Beauly
Maps OS Landranger 26; OS Explorer 431
A riverside walk through some lovely countryside south-west of Beauly
