Walk 3255 - printer friendly version

Coire Ardair Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 7.5 miles / 12.2 km

Ascent - 1250 feet / 379 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference NN483873
Lat 56.9520000 + Long -4.4958677
Postcode PH20 1BX (approx. location only)

This walk up to Coire Ardair from the shores of Loch Laggan offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the Scottish Highlands. The route follows an excellent path into the Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve to reach the beautifully situated Lochan a'Choire which is surrounded by towering crags that rise some 400 metres from the floor of the corrie.

The start is the car park (grid ref. NN483873) on the north side of the A86 which runs along the northern shore of Loch Laggan between Newtonmore and Spean Bridge. From the northern end of the car park follow the tarmac path that runs parallel to the driveway leading to the house at Aberarder. Cross the driveway and continue up to the house recrossing the track to follow the path to the right of the house.

The clear path rises gradually through bracken, heathers, and trees, briefly follows a wall on your left and reaches a waymark post. From here the view across Loch Laggan is a good excuse for a brief rest. Take the right fork as indicated on the post and gain height more rapidly. The path passes through more trees and eventually reaches more open country with your efforts rewarded by a view up the valley ahead. The gradient eases and there are still no clues of the dramatic scenery that lies ahead.

Another short section of steady climbing and you get you first view of the towering crags ahead. The landscape becomes devoid of trees as the full extent of the crags come into view. Gaining height Allt Coire Ardair (stream below on your left) becomes closer to the path. A short descent leads you beside the stream which is followed up the valley. After a final steady climb brings you to Lochan a'Choire nestled beneath the superb crags ahead. This a perfect place to reast awhile and enjoy the magnificent surroundings of this special place before following the outward route back to the start.

Messaging & Social Media

Message Walking Britain and follow the latest news.

Mountain Weather

Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.