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Evergreen
Guided Walks - Loch Ness and beyond
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Low
level walking in the Loch Ness area, and in particular South Loch Ness,
is very special because not only is the scenery superb, and the views fantastic,
but because it remains largely 'undiscovered'. In an age of mass tourism
and enjoyment by all of the great outdoors, it
remains a very peaceful and tranquil area.
We are happy to provide you with detailed information on the flora,
wildlife and rich heritage of the area so that you can get the most
out of walking. Whether you prefer a few short walks or full days exploring,
there is plenty to choose from. Alternatively, you can let us “take the strain”, and choose from
Graeme's
range of Guided Walks. The list below is by no means exhaustive and he
is quite
happy to arrange an itinerary to meet your needs. |
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To help you get a feel for these walks we have
provided a short description of each and we have also titled each with a
word or phrase, which we believe best encapsulates what they are about. |
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1. Relax,
unwind and take your time....
This walk is a lovely circular walk of approximately 7 miles ( 12km).
It starts at Evergreen, passes up through rich and varied woodland
with several superb viewpoints out over Loch Ness, before
descending down to the majestic Falls of Foyers. At this point
there is the opportunity to take a breather and stop for coffee at
the Waterfall cafe or alternatively push on and extend the walk
- it's really up to you. The return to Evergreen is via the loch
side and old Telford pier at Inverfarigaig. It is easily our most
popular walk as it starts at the foot of our garden! It is also a
walk with plenty places to stop, sit down and relax a while and
enjoy the peace and silence, such as at the small lochan of Torr
an Tuill - a truly beautiful place rich in legend.
Summary:-. This walk represents everything that the south
side of Loch Ness is about - wild and beautiful scenery, unspoilt,
peaceful and relaxing. Duration 4 hours. Price £40
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2.
Dun Dearduil
Less than ½ mile from Evergreen are the massive crags of Dun Dearduil that dominate any view of Inverfarigaig. Rising sharply
above the River Farigaig, atop sheer precipices, are the remains
of an ancient iron-age fort from which the hill takes its name.
Steeped in legend, Dun Dearduil is associated with the Celtic
heroine Deirdre and tales of forbidden love and deep sorrow.
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Little
surprise then, perhaps, that the walk up Dun Dearduil is testing.
The path is virtually non-existent, the undergrowth thick and at
times, such is the steepness, progress can only be made by
clinging on to the vegetation. However, make the effort and you
will not be disappointed. The views from the top are fantastic and
bring out clearly the splendour of Loch Ness as it stretches east
and west into the distance.
This walk is also a good one on which to appreciate the rich
diversity of fauna in the area as we ascend from the moist river
environment shrouded in trees up to 284m in a very short distance.
We might also even be lucky and see a peregrine falcon rising up
above the mighty rock face.
Summary:- Difficult but very rewarding short walk. Path
non-existent. Duration: 1½ hours. Price £30
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3.
Take a Walk on the Wildside. This is a
walk that takes us up the spiral 'Corkscrew' road just on the edge
of Inverfarigaig, and beyond into the ancient lands of Stratherrick. The Corkscrew was built in 1815 by
the son of Lord Woodhouselee and apart from resurfacing has
changed little since then. It is rarely used by cars because it is
so narrow and steep and from the top there are wonderful views
across to the massive crags of Dun Dearduill as well as out
over Loch ness
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A short
distance further on we detour off the road to visit secluded
waterfalls on the River Farigaig. It is an enchanting spot in
summer to pass a few hours in perfect seclusion. Back on the
road our route takes up past the site of the 6th Century St Moluag's
Chapel, to Balchuirn. Here we turn off the road, pass the
ruins of the village of Balchuirn and head back in the direction
of Loch Ness. Soon after we
come to the massive cliffs of Cas-bhearnach which overlook the
loch. Completely hidden
from view these alone make this walk more than worthwhile! Returning via a beautiful and tranquil
lochan, known locally as the Secret Loch, we eventually re
join the road just above the Corkscrew.
Summary:- Interesting walk rich in history. Route follows minor
road for part of the way before going out over rough terrain with
no paths. Extreme care required at cliffs!! Duration: 2 hours.
Price £30
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4.
Eas na Smudh (Waterfall of Smoke).
This is the gaelic name for the Falls of Foyers and an evocative
name for our walk which centres round the majestic Falls. The
Falls of Foyers are only 2 miles from Evergreen and can be visited
as part of another walk direct from Evergreen. However, this walk
is not only about the falls, but takes in some of the beautiful
surrounding landscape rich in history and legend.
It starts at the Upper Falls in the village of (Upper) Foyers and
meanders under tree covered cliffs and through thick coniferous
woodland before descending down past open meadows to (Lower)
Foyers and the shores of Loch Ness. We then walk along the shore
for a short distance before moving inland again and upwards, this
time staying close to the massive gorge that is Foyers Falls. The
Lower Falls are truly spectacular and worthy of their reputation.
Be sure to bring plenty film for your camera, particularly if the
falls are in full spate. Total
distance covered is approximately 4 miles (7km). The Falls alone
are justification for this walk but we think that linking it with
a walk in the surrounds of the falls, make this a truly memorable
short walk.
Summary:- Another excellent walk through varied landscape dominated
by the majestic falls. Path generally good although quite steep in
places near the falls. Duration 2-3 hours. Price £30
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5. Huff and
Puff to the Highest Point.
This walk takes us up to the highest point around Loch Ness, the
summit of Mealfuarvonie (the rounded hill of the cold moor). On a
good day the views from the top stretch to the distant horizon in
all directions and give a feeling of space unlike anywhere else in
the area.
It is a pleasant walk which passes through birch woodland before
rising up on to a grassy ridge. From there the path meanders its
way up to the summit at 699m. Having gone on this walk in both summer and
winter, there is one thing which I can guarantee - it's always windy at the summit! So
no matter the weather at Evergreen, guests should come well
prepared if they wish to do this one.
Summary:- Pleasant walk on generally good path (although very
boggy after prolonged rain). Not strenuous, although to really
enjoy it you should be reasonably fit. Duration of walk 3 hours. Car journey required.
Price £80 |
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6. Land of
Mountain and Flood.
This is one of our longer walks, a classic circular route around
Loch Affric. About 1½ hours drive from Evergreen, Glen Affric is
one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland and one of the very
few places where there are remnants of ancient Caledonian forest,
direct descendants of trees that colonised the area after the last
ice-age 8-10 thousand years ago. Whether you take the walk with us
or choose to visit Glen Affric as part of a car tour, this is a
must for any visit to the area.
We call this walk Land of Mountain and Flood because amidst this
open ancient woodland majestic mountains rise sharply while white
torrents of water cascade down to the loch. A forest reserve, the
area is also rich in birds and wildlife. Keep an eye open for
buzzards and Golden Eagles.
The distance covered on this walk is about 10 miles (17 ½ km) and
while it is all low-level, and the path/track very good, after
heavy rain parts of the path are liable to be very difficult as
streams which cut across it become raging torrents!
As it is a full day excursion some distance from Evergreen, we
also take the opportunity on this trip to visit the Dog Falls and
the magnificent Falls of Plodda near the interesting village of
Tomich.
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Summary.
Wonderful walk in stunning scenery. Path generally very good and
no strenuous uphill sections. Duration, taking in visit to Dog
Falls and Plodda Falls. Duration of walk 5 hours. Car journey
required. Price £100 |
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Please
read our guided walks Terms
and conditions
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