WATCH: 5 more superb coastal, inland and loch walks in the Highlands
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ENDLESS inspiration abounds whenever you're looking for somewhere new to explore in the Highlands by foot.
Some truly magical walks are to be found dotted all over the region. Some may be waiting to be discovered not far from your own doorstep, while others may tempt adventurers into travelling further from home to reach an enticing new hike.
But, whatever you're seeking – be it short strolls or something much longer – there's plenty of inspiration out there.
If you're looking for a few ideas then why not consider one of these cracking ideas for a wee outdoor adventure.
And if none of them tickle your fancy, please do check out these walks from last week... and also keep your eyes peeled next week for even more walk options from around the Highlands...
Knockan Crag
The circuit at Knockan Crag is a short but rewarding walk which straddles the Sutherland/Ross-shire border and enjoys great views of the mountains of Coigach, arresting artworks and interesting noticeboards describing the area's iconic geology.
Easily reached on the road between Ullapool and Elphin, the good sized car park for Knockan Crag also features toilet facilities.
Extending for 1.5 miles, the walk follows a very well-maintained path, but is nevertheless steep in places and has sharp drops near the route, so those with vertigo or young children/pets, should bear this in mind.
However, those that do tackle this wee gem of a walk will find the views linger long in the memory. Keep eyes peeled for deer and other wildlife too.
And you may even learn some fascinating facts about the unique geology of the area's 'Moine Thrust' strata, and its role in helping geologists figure out the immense forces which have shaped the Earth.
Click here to read the full Active Outdoors guide to the walk.
Stac Pollaidh
This spectacular and famous mountain is one of the dominant peaks of Coigach and offers a truly magical hill-walking experience.
And not only that but those who reach the ridgeline are offered superb views of a seemingly timeless landscape – the lochans and knockans of Coigach and distant peaks like Suilven.
Time feels like it falls away when atop this magnificent mountain – almost literally – for the rock strata that stretches out before you is almost impossibly ancient. The peaks which dot the landscape – like Suilven – are made of Torridonian sandstone that is itself more than a billion years old, but that's chickenfeed compared to the rocks which make up the lochans and knockans landscape on which they sit. These strata – composed of Lewisian Gneiss – are, incredibly, up three billion years old – or two-thirds the age of the Earth – and are among some of the oldest rocks in all of Europe.
And all of the rocks, be they the 'younger' Torridonian sandstone or the Lewisian Gneiss, were formed when the most complex life on the planet was just single-celled bacteria.
It's a truly jaw-dropping thought, especially when you consider it while gazing out at the stunning view.
Those seeking to ascend Stac Pollaidh may initially think it nigh-on unassailable, especially when viewed from the road beneath its southern face. But it can nevertheless be reached via a steep but well maintained path that loops around its flanks and up the north side to reach the 'summit' ridgeline.
Although not the true summit – which sits on the western end of the mountain and can only be reached via a scramble – the summit ridge offers such superb views that most of us less hardy hikers will happily call it a day there before returning.
The walk route itself is short but climbs several hundred metres and will pose a challenge to those who are unfit, either through the steep ascent, or from the constant readjusting of your stride to accommodate the different heights of the many steps you'll encounter – your legs will definitely feel like they've had a workout the following day.
Those tempted to take on the challenge of Stac Pollaidh should also bear in mind that, while there is a car park at the very start of the path, its smallish size means it fills up quickly – especially in the tourist months – so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
It's not unusual to see families hiking the route, but those with young children, or vertigo, may wish to consider a different walk option, as the sides of the mountain drop away very sharply next to the narrow path on the northern ascent/descent.
But those walkers who do brave the walk are rewarded with a stunning aerial view of Coigach and the Summer Isles.
Glenfinnan
A WONDERFUL walk popular with fans of stunning views, railways and movie magic alike, Glenfinnan is always worth a visit and makes for an ideal family-friendly circuit.
This three-and-a-half mile walk takes in the National Trust for Scotland visitor centre, the shore of Loch Shiel, the iconic Glenfinnan monument to the Jacobite rebellions, the village's bucolic railway station and the world-famous rail viaduct, the latter of which will be familiar to fans of the Harry Potter film franchise from its appearances in multiple movies.
Time your visit right – and the National Trust for Scotland site helpfully posts up the times at its café – and you'll see the Jacobite steam train pass along the viaduct's striking curved track. As well as being a cracking sight, it also makes for superb photo opportunities – especially from the path that looks down on it from the hillside to the west. But it isn't the only great target to aim a camera at. Loch Shiel is a beautiful spot too, and the column and statue of the Jacobite monument are also popular camera targets. For a particularly fine view of those latter two, keep eyes peeled for a short path up the hill immediately next to the visitor centre, which winds its way to a viewpoint with superb elevated views of the loch.
One thing to bear in mind, however, is the popularity of this site thanks to its numerous attractions and Harry Potter links. In recent years the car park (which requires payment unless you're a member of the National Trust for Scotland) has been extended, but as busy times, space is still at a premium. Head there earlier or later in the day to avoid possible disappointment.
Click here to read the full Active Outdoors guide to the walk.
Abriachan
This popular woodland high on the hills immediately to the west of Loch Ness, is a great spot for walkers of all abilities, with a number of options, ranging from short routes like this three-mile option, to larger seven or eight-mile circuits. It will even be familiar to long-distance trek aficionados thanks to its location on the Great Glen Way, which this walk partially follows for some of its length.
Following good tracks, this three-mile circuit sets off from the car park at Abriachan and winds its way along part of the Great Glen Way before turning up onto the slopes of Carn na Leitire, which offers stunning 360 degree panoramic vistas that take in the Great Glen, the mountains of Glen Affric to the west, Ben Wyvis to the north and much more besides.
What's more it offers something new depending on the seasons – with a walk on a snowy winter's day turning the hike into something out of a Christmas card picture, while spring and summer bring with them the delightful smells and wildlife of the warmer months.
Click here to read the full Active Outdoors guide to the walk.
Eathie
Another short walk, Eathie nevertheless packs a lot into its small 2.75 mile length – including woodland walking, striking Moray Firth views from the foreshore, and coastal beachcombing for a fossil or two.
Located on the southern shores of the Black Isle, between Rosemarkie and the entrance to the Cromarty Firth, Eathie is famous for its fossil beds on the foreshore and the inspiration they provided to famous 19th century Highland geologist Hugh Miller.
The walk begins at a very small car park on the Eathie road between Rosemarkie and Cromarty. Space is at a premium, so get there early to avoid missing out, and please do park responsibly.
From the car park the path passes an information panel describing the area and its links to Miller, then skirts field and forest before plunging steeply downhill, via forest tracks, into the woods.
After a sharp descent you will eventually emerge on the rocky foreshore, where you will enjoy picturesque views across the Moray Firth.
Those who wish to make the day out a longer walk can also reach the fossil beds via a coastal foreshore walk from Rosemarkie. But those that opt for this should make sure they are well aware of the tide times and tackle the walk accordingly to avoid being caught out by the rising waters of the Moray Firth.
Click here to read the full Active Outdoors guide to the 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...
