Loch Arkaig

Butterflies, waterfalls and a truly remote Highland loch

Loch Arkaig is a hidden gem, fringed with woodland and open hills and tucked away off the beaten track between Fort William and Inverness. You can enjoy a picnic beside the waterfall at Chia-aig, at the east end of the loch, then look for butterflies at the more remote Allt Mhuic reserve.

Walking trails

Walking

Allt Mhuic Butterfly Reserve

Climb up onto the open hillside to see the rare chequered skipper butterfly against the amazing backdrop of Loch Arkaig.

Rough grassy surface with some rocky and very wet sections. Long steep slopes for up to 500m. Includes a narrow gate and sections of boardwalk.

1 miles / 1.7 km

Allow
¾ hour

More information

This is a beautiful place even if there are no butterflies about. Listen for wood warblers singing among the birch trees, and look for grey wagtails and dippers along the burn.

Activities

Bring your bikes

The road alongside the shore at Loch Arkaig is narrow but quiet. On a pleasant day it may be more pleasant to park the car and continue on bike.

Facilities and access

Walking

Parking

Mountain access

Picnic area

The nearest public facilities, shops and cafés are in Spean Bridge.

Water safety

We want all our visitors to have a safe and enjoyable time at our forests. If you plan on venturing into the water here, please read our safety advice first.

Water safety

Getting here

From the Commando Memorial on the A82 at Spean Bridge, follow signs towards Gairlochy. At a fork in the road just after a bridge over the Caledonian Canal, veer right following the sign for 'Loch Arkaig (B8005)'. It's a rough and narrow road after this point, but worth the journey.

You'll reach Chia-aig waterfall first, 5 miles along the road. Allt Mhuic butterfly reserve is a further 4 miles along the road.

Using SatNav?

PH34 4EJ is the nearest postcode.

Get directions