Wester Ross, near Inveralligin and Strathcarron, Scottish Highlands

Loch Damh

Lake

Place photograph

5.7

Wildland

1–2 hours, Half day

Time

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Cost

Wild

Feel

LakesideHillsRemote countrysideWalkersPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

5.7

Loch Damh is a Highland loch with a challenging 12.5-mile circular route listed nearby, and shorter walks linking the loch with the Falls of Balgy.

The appeal here is the combination of a Highland loch and a landscape that rewards walking rather than a quick roadside stop. There are shorter route options around Loch Damh and the Falls of Balgy, but access and current path conditions need checking before you set out.

Wild · Dramatic

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Wester Ross, near Inveralligin and Strathcarron, Scottish Highlands

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The experience

Plan around a verified walking route rather than assuming there is a short, accessible lochside stroll. The available route information includes a shorter Loch Damh and Falls of Balgy option and a much longer, challenging circular walk. Confirm access, conditions and route details before travelling.

Things to do

Take the longer circular route

AllTrails lists a challenging 12.5-mile loop near Strathcarron, with Loch Damh among its sights. The listing also reports an unmarked route and user reports of obstacles, so check current conditions and navigation carefully.

Check before setting out

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 1 hour

A shorter Loch Damh and Falls of Balgy walk

01
Use the listed 2.34-mile Loch Damh–Falls of Balgy loop as a starting point for planning.
02
Check the route’s access, conditions and exact start point before setting out.

Half day · About 2 hours, plus time for stops

Make a half-day walk of it

01
Consider the listed 4.87-mile Falls of Balgy–Loch Damh loop from Inveralligin.
02
Allow extra time for breaks and to check the route on the ground; the source describes it as intermediate.

When to go

· Not established by the available sources; check the forecast and daylight before walking.

The supplied sources do not establish a best season for Loch Damh.

Check the local forecast and route conditions before setting out. The longer route is described as challenging, and AllTrails reports it as unmarked.

The route

ascent: 1,863 ft for the 12.5-mile AllTrails loop.
stiles: Check before setting out
surface: Check before setting out
distance: A separate AllTrails route is listed as 12.5 miles; shorter Loch Damh and Falls of Balgy loops are also listed by a walking guide.
duration: The walking guide lists examples of about 1 hour and 2 hours 7 minutes. AllTrails does not provide a duration in the supplied excerpt.
difficulty: The 12.5-mile AllTrails route is described as challenging. The walking guide describes the 2.34-mile option as easy and the 4.87-mile option as intermediate.
waymarking: The AllTrails route is listed as unmarked.
route shape: Loop
start point: The AllTrails listing describes a route near Strathcarron. The walking guide lists routes from Inveralligin and Shieldaig; confirm the correct start point for your chosen route.
parking start: Check before visiting
shorter alternative: A walking guide lists a 2.34-mile Loch Damh–Falls of Balgy loop described as about 1 hour; verify the route and access before setting out.

Loch Damh
River Balgy
Abhainn Dubh
Falls of Balgy on routes that include them

Worth pairing with

Falls of Balgy

A walking guide pairs the falls with Loch Damh on several loop options. Confirm route access and conditions before visiting.

What to look for

Look for the changing relationship between the loch, the surrounding Highland terrain and, on routes that include it, the Falls of Balgy.

Best time to go

Check current route and weather conditions before planning a visit.

Check the forecast and route conditions before setting out. The available sources do not establish a best season or time of day.

How long to spend

1–2 hours, Half day

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers

Practical information

Opening & access

Access arrangements and suitable places to reach the loch are not confirmed. Check locally before visiting; do not assume there is parking or an established shore path. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.

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Parking

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Toilets

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Food & drink

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Dogs

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Accessibility

Walking options cited for the area range from easy to challenging; route surfaces, access points and accessibility at the loch are not confirmed. Check route details before setting out.

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Cost

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Water

Loch