4 beautiful inland, coastal and loch walks in the Highlands
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WITH spring rapidly approaching minds naturally turn towards the great outdoors and some beautiful days out in the majestic Highland landscape.
Many memorable and stunning walks are to be found across the region. Some may be close to your own front door, while others may entice you further afield.
But, whatever you're seeking – be it short strolls or a longer hike – there's plenty of inspiration out there.
If you're seeking some options, then why not consider one of these outdoor adventures when you next seek a memorable walk.
And if none of them tickle your fancy, why not check out these walks from last week or these from the week before... and also keep your eyes peeled next week for even more walk options from around the Highlands...
Related: 5 great coastal, hill and inland loch walks in the Highlands
WATCH: 5 more superb coastal, inland and loch walks in the Highlands
Loch Affric
A POPULAR 11-mile hike, this beautiful walk in Glen Affric completes a full circuit of Loch Affric.
The mountainous Munros that dot the landscape and the ecologically important Caledonian Forest make for a memorable setting that is worth revisiting in different seasons – with cuckoo calls echoing out in spring, and snow-capped peaks in winter always ensuring there's something new to enjoy whatever the time of year.
The route itself starts from a large car park at the eastern-most end of the loch. Run by Forest and Land Scotland, the car park is pay-and-display, so remember to bring change, although it is often not operating in the close season.
Setting off from the car park, heading west, the route doesn't feature any real climbs, and mostly follows good paths and, on the southern side, 4x4 tracks/roads, so you shouldn't have too much difficulty despite the 11-mile length.
It can be tackled either clockwise or anti-clockwise, with the return point in either option coming a little to the west of the road/track bridge at Athnamulloch.
One useful tip to consider when tackling this walk is to probably complete the circuit anti-clockwise on your first time out. For although most of the burn crossings are via bridges, there's one about two-thirds of the way along the loch's northern shore which requires either getting your feet wet or performing sometimes tricky boulder hopping.
In times of high spate or recent rains, this can be even more difficult, even with hiking poles. If you don't fancy getting your feet wet, or find the crossing too tricky when you get there, then it's far better to do it on the outward part of the circuit instead of encountering it on a clockwise journey and finding you'll have to double back a far greater distance to the start of the walk.
And, if you'd like to have more information to hand while on your walk, this route features in a number of popular walking books, including the Ordnance Survey's Pathfinder Guide for Loch Ness and Inverness (available in many Highland bookshops and tourist spots).
Those who maybe don't fancy such a long 11-mile circuit also have options to do a much, much shorter walk from the car park at the start of this route to the famous hillside viewpoint which looks west along the full length of the loch, and can be tackled by all abilities. Details of this route and signage can be found on information points at the car park.
Portskerra
Those looking for a slightly shorter walk could maybe consider a journey to the far north coast and this 2.5 mile circuit at Portskerra.
The coastline of the far north is never anything less than dramatic, with plenty of stunning sandy beaches majestic cliffs, and all manner of wildlife both overhead and in the waters.
This walk follows a minor road and grassy coastal path and, as well as the picturesque seaside setting, it also takes in a poignant memorial to some of the sailors who have lost their lives over the centuries.
Those who perhaps prefer longer walks can also extend their boots-on experience onto the picturesque sands of Melvich Bay, or even start from the beach's dedicated car park before walking to Portskerra pier and joining this route to add another mile or two to the experience and spend more time marvelling at the rollers and sealife.
Click here for our full Active Outdoors guide to this walk.
Flowerdale Falls (with an option to extend to the rugged peak of An Groban)
This charming walk winds its way up good tracks from the coast near Gairloch towards the striking rocky hill of An Groban, and offers several options for walkers.
Starting from the car park next to the Sitooterie at Charlestown, the path works its way along good paths/tracks and follows the waters of the Abhainn Ghlas burn upstream as you gradually climb into the dramatic Flowerdale landscape.
On your way to the Easan Bana waterfall you will pass some footbridges that straddle the burn, before eventually reaching a bridge at the falls where you can cross and return back to the coast via paths on the burn's opposite bank (making use of one of the earlier footbridges lower downstream to eventually return to the original side of the water). The return leg offers superb views out to sea.
Those who wish to make things more adventurous can also push on to An Groban instead of crossing the burn near the falls, although you'll definitely want full hiking kit if you do plump for this option.
And, if you'd rather stay close to the coast instead of heading up Flowerdale, there are a number of short beach walk options in the immediate Charlestown and Gairloch area.
Click here for our full Active Outdoors guide to this walk, which includes the stretch to the top of An Groban.
Nairn's beaches
A great option for walkers of all abilities is the coastline at Nairn. The beaches at the town itself are very popular with fans of the coast and offer superb views north across the Moray Firth.
What's more, they allow you to be as adventurous as you want – you can either opt for a very short stroll following the paths on the foreshore between the river and leisure centre and sticking close to amenities, or you can venture further west or east depending on your mood or mode of transport to get to the site.
If you're coming by car you'll find extensive beach-side parking available, but those coming via public transport can easily tag the short walk from the town's railway station to the beach onto their walking adventure.
In our Active Outdoors guide, reporter Rachel Smart opted for one of the more adventurous options, plumping to travel via train, she then followed the riverside paths to the coast and then headed west along the beach as far as Hilton of Delnies, before returning via the same route – for an overall distance of 8.5 miles.
But, whatever you opt for – be it a leisurely one-mile stroll along the central beaches or a much longer hike – you'll still enjoy some beautiful sea views.
Click here for our full Active Outdoors guide to the 8.5 mile walk.
Didn't find any walks that took your fancy? Never fret, why not have a look at some of the walks suggested last week. Or keep an eye on the website this time next week for yet more cracking walks from across the Highlands. Which ones will feature? You'll have to wait and see...
