Loch Lochy Walk from Kilfinnan

Route Description for Loch Lochy Walk from Kilfinnan

The Loch Lochy Walk from Kilfinnan may climb to two overlooks that grant stunning views of Loch Lochy shimmering below, but it definitely takes a lot of work to get to the top! If you're a beginner hiker, we suggest avoiding this one for now and taking on gentler hillwalks before this one. It's not super technically challenging, but it will definitely get your heart rate up. Some of you may crave the extra adrenaline rush of completing this out-and-back route in winter. Be sure to bring an ice-axe, crampons, and the skill to navigate snowy terrain. We recommend taking on this route in summer before trying it in winter.

Ready to take on this walk? Get ready to bask in outstanding views from atop two soaring Munros Sròn a' Choire Ghairbh (937 m) and Meall na Teanga (918 m). These aren't the tallest Munros, making the Loch Lochy Walk from Kilfinnan an excellent walk for experienced hillwalkers seeking their first few Munros to bag.

From your car, cross the bridge and follow the Great Glen Way. Get ready to climb right away! Eventually, you'll find yourself in a forest setting along a straightforward path. When you reach a fork in the track, go right to start ascending through the trees—the other trail going left travels to the shore of the loch. Travel along the mild ascent through the trees for 2.5 km before reaching a footpath sign and boulder on the right. Take this footpath and continue to climb through the forest. Expect a steeper gain here! Look and listen for the secret waterfall on your left before leaving the forest behind. Continue along the path as it snakes along the north end of the valley towards the bealach.

From here, you'll follow the stalkers' path to zigzag up the slope, getting closer to the summit of the Munros. When the stalkers' path ends, go up the grassy slopes to walk along the edge of Coire Garbh's cliffs. From here, go left to walk towards the cairn at the summit of Sròn a' Choire Ghairbh (937 m). Pause to admire the unreal views overlooking the Great Glen and stretching into the Knoydart mountains.

After stopping for a short rehydration and refuel boost, continue towards Meall na Teanga (918 m), where Ben Nevis intimidates in the backdrop. Retrace your steps back to that same stalkers' path towards the bealach from just before the first Munro.

When you get back to the bealach, go south to climb up a steep path above the gully. After the gully, you'll walk across the slopes towards a grassy bealach nestled between Meall Dubh and Meall na Teanga. The path will then gain a significant amount of elevation before heading across the slope towards Meall na Teanga's north ridge. Here, go south to arrive at the summit! Pat yourself on the back as you marvel at the spectacular views of Loch Lochy glistening below.

Meall na Teanga may not stand as tall as Sròn a' Choire Ghairbh, but the views here definitely surpass those sprawling below the first Munro on this walk! Spot both Ben Nevis and Loch Lochy from this outstanding second summit!

After revelling in the rugged Highland scenery, turn around to head back to the bealach before retracing your steps to your car.

Trail Highlights

Loch Lochy

While you won’t get up close to Loch Lochy on the Loch Lochy Walk from Kilfinnan, you’ll catch unforgettable views of Scotland’s third-deepest loch from atop Meall na Teanga. Some folklore tales state that Loch Lochy is home to a River Horse, which would float from the lake and morph into a horse sheep and munch on the banks of the loch.

Insider Hints for Loch Lochy Walk from Kilfinnan

• Park along the grassy verges, but try not to obstruct turning spots or incoming traffic
• The closest public transport drops you off 2km from the start of the walk at Laggan Locks