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Experience the remote beauty of Moidart along a rugged trail that rewards with panoramic views

Ardmolich

The forest is alive

Meander through mature conifer woodland out onto a rocky hillside with wonderful views across Loch Moidart to the distant islands of Rhum, Muck and Eigg. These woods are home to noisy flocks of crossbills, coal tits and goldcrests. If you’re very lucky, there’s a chance you may see a golden eagle soaring overhead.

Parking Walking

Everything you need

You'll find public toilets, refreshments and shops at Acharacle, a few miles south of Ardmolich.

Walking trails


Ardmolich Trail

Climb through spruce forest and oak woodland to a rugged hilltop with panoramic views over Loch Moidart to the Isles of Eigg and Rum.

Several long steep slopes for up to 400m. Sections of rough grassy paths with muddy areas. Includes some steps and a stile.

Strenuous

2 ¼ miles /
3.8 km
Allow
1½ hours

More information...

Cycling trails


Mountain biking trails


Explore the scrubby height

The Gaelic 'Aird Molach' means the scrubby height, which is the perfect description for these rocky wooded hills. Exploring the trails here gives you a taste of Loch Moidart's drama, beauty and remoteness.

You'll also notice that fast-growing conifers are slowly being replaced at Ardmolich by deciduous native trees like oak, birch and rowan. Oakwoods once grew thickly here and all along the Atlantic coast from Norway to Spain and Portugal. Fragments of these rare and important ancient woodlands have survived across Sunart and a major conservation programme has helped to conserve and restore this gorgeous environment.

The Seven Men of Moidart

The road winds through the small settlements of Ardmolich and Kinlochmoidart at the head of the loch. Beside the road just north of Kinlochmoidart, you'll see three large beech trees in a row. These are the last of 'The Seven Men of Moidart', seven beech trees planted over 200 years ago to commemorate Bonnie Prince Charlie's seven companions who travelled with him from France in 1745. They were preparing for a battle to try and restore Charles's father, the deposed Stuart monarch King James, to the throne. The Prince raised his standard at Glenfinnan in a dramatic act that began the uprising known as the Second Jacobite Rebellion.

Contact: Lochaber Forest District

Address: Torlundy, Fort William

Postcode: PH33 6SW

Telephone: 0300 067 6870

Email: lochaber@forestry.gsi.gov.uk


How to get here

From Strontian, take the A816 west. Pass through the township of Acharacle. Look for the car park on the left hand side after 17 miles (27 km). The car park is at grid reference NM 715 713.

From Glenfinnan, take the A830 to Lochailort then the A816 south for about 13 miles. Look out for the car park on the right, as you climb out from Loch Moidart.

Using SatNav?

PH38 4ND is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

There are daily buses (except Sunday) from Fort William to Lochailort and Acharacle, which pass through Ardmolich village. Find timetables at Traveline Scotland.

Nearby places

Looking for something less strenuous?

Watch for otters, seals and herons at Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide and neighbouring Ard Airigh. There are great views too. The hide and trails are suitable for everyone, with wheelchair-accessible picnic tables at Ard Airigh.

Lochan na Dunaich, beside Salen, is a great place to picnic and play, with a boardwalk around a wee loch. In summer, water lilies bloom and dragonflies zoom across the water.


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