Walks near Gairloch: The Ultimate Guide to Flowerdale Glen
Whether you are navigating the iconic NC500, seeking the most rewarding walks near Gairloch, or looking for a safe and scenic dog walk on the NC500, Flowerdale Glen is a destination of thrilling variety. Located directly behind The Old Inn, this glen is a sanctuary where ancient history, towering “champion” trees, and thundering waterfalls meet the raw, vertical challenge of the Wester Ross peaks.
Flowerdale isn’t just a path through the woods; it is a visual story of the Scottish Highlands. It offers a unique transition from the lush, sheltered estate gardens to the rugged, wind-swept wilderness of the high hills, making it one of the premier NC500 walks for every ability.
The Story of Flowerdale: From Clan Feuds to Cabinet Meetings
To understand the character of the glen, one must look to the MacKenzies of Gairloch. While the English name “Flowerdale” was inspired by the staggering variety of wildflowers that carpet the glen in spring, the area was traditionally known in Gaelic as Am Baile Mòr (The Big Village).
The Evolution of the Manor
The history of the glen is anchored by Flowerdale House. The current mansion, built in 1738 for Sir Alexander MacKenzie, was a local marvel—it was the first building in the district to feature a slated roof. This earned it the Gaelic name Tigh Digh nam gorm Leac, or the “Moat House of the blue slates.” It replaced an even older, more defensive structure known as Tigh Dige (Moat House), which sat in a hollow nearby and featured a functional moat and drawbridge.
Legends of the Glen
The glen has seen its fair share of conflict. History tells of the long-standing rivalry between the MacLeods and the MacKenzies. One local legend recounts a MacKenzie archer positioned on the roof of the house who, with incredible precision, shot a MacLeod lookout perched atop a ship’s mast in the bay—a distance of half a mile.
In 1745, the house survived a literal broadside. During the search for Bonnie Prince Charlie, a naval captain invited the Laird of Gairloch aboard his ship. The Laird, busy dining with friends on the summit of Creag a Chait (The Cat’s Rock) behind the house, invited the captain to join them instead. Insulted, the captain ordered a broadside to be fired at the house; a cannonball remained lodged in the gable end for years as a souvenir.
A Fugitive’s Hiding Place
In the aftermath of Culloden, the house played a role in the survival of the Jacobites. Fraser of Foyers was hidden for some time in a secret recess within the walls of Flowerdale House, protected by the MacKenzies despite the immense danger of harbouring a rebel.
A Seat of Power
In September 1921, Prime Minister David Lloyd George was staying at Flowerdale House when he received news that Ireland had rejected the King and the Empire. This prompted him to call an emergency Cabinet meeting in Inverness—the first time in history the British Cabinet had ever met outside of London.
NC500 Walks: From Gentle Strolls to Rugged Hikes
One of the reasons Flowerdale is such a highlight for NC500 walks is its versatility. You can choose your own intensity, moving from the soft forest floor to the jagged quartz rocks of the peaks.
1. The Arboretum Trail (Easy / Family Walks near Gairloch)
- Time: 20 minutes to 1 hour If you are looking for a short leg-stretch after a long drive, this is the perfect introduction. You will walk among Douglas firs, noble firs, spruces, and larches that are among the largest in Wester Ross.
Nature Spotting: Look for Red Squirrels—these charismatic residents have been spotted right on the path! In the winter, keep an ear out for the Goldcrest, the UK’s smallest bird, which loves the conifers. You might also hear the rhythmic drumming of a Great Spotted Woodpecker echoing through the trees.
2. The Flowerdale Glen Waterfall Walk (Moderate)
- Distance: 4km return | Time: Approx. 2 hours 15 mins This path follows the Abhainn Ghlas (the Grey River) to the Easan Bàna waterfalls. As you climb, the sound of the water grows to a roar. The route is well-marked and offers several spurs to the right for the best photographic views of the falls—widely considered some of the best waterfalls in Wester Ross.
3. Hiking An Gròban: The Adventurer’s Peak
- Distance: 7.5km | Time: 5 hours | Ascent: 445m For those who want to leave the “slow pace” behind, An Gròban is a spectacular “mini-mountain.” While only 383m, its rocky profile gives it a true alpine feel. For those interested in scrambling and rock climbing near Gairloch, An Gròban has some incredible 3-star Grade 3 routes, along with both trad and sport climbing.
Wester Ross Wildlife Walks: A Living Ecosystem
Life in the Canopy and the Forest Floor
The woodlands are a stronghold for the Red Squirrel, and if you move quietly, you may see them foraging near the Arboretum. High above, Buzzards often circle the hills. Keep an eye on the muddy sections of the path; you will often find tracks from Roe, Sika, and Red Deer.
Freshwater Secrets
As you emerge from the conifers, you enter a world of marshy ponds and tidal channels.
- Dragonflies: Warm, sunny summer days are best for spotting the magnificent Gold-ringed Dragonfly and the Common Hawker.
- In the Water: In the clear waters of the burn, keep a lookout for Trout and Eels. Beneath the footbridge by The Old Inn, you may see trout basking in the summer sun.
- The Otter: If you are looking for where to see otters in Gairloch, you are in luck. If the night is quiet and you are very lucky, you may catch a glimpse of an otter travelling beneath the footbridge by our car park.
Botanical Wonders and Warnings
The glen is famous for its wildflowers, but it also houses some of the UK’s more “serious” plants. Surrounding the marshy ponds, you will find Hemlock Water Dropwort. While it features beautiful white flowers, it is known as the most poisonous plant in the UK—a fascinating example of the “wild” in the Highlands.
The Old Inn: Your Gateway to Flowerdale
We aren’t just near the glen; we are the gateway to it. Located at the very mouth of Flowerdale, The Old Inn has been a sanctuary for walkers for generations.
- The Walking Wall: We feature 30 curated local routes for those seeking walks near Gairloch.
- Complimentary OS Maplets: We provide our guests with weather-resistant maplets to explore with confidence.
- Dog-Friendly Accommodation: A dog walk on the NC500 is better when your hotel is just as welcoming to your pet as it is to you!
- Refuel: Enjoy a “Taste of Gairloch” meal after your hike. Our venison is often sourced directly from the estate you just explored.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Parking in Gairloch
- Inn Guests: Start your walk right from our front door.
- Day Visitors: Use the car park opposite the harbour turning.
- Motorhomes & Campervans: Please use the Harbour Parking—it’s just two minutes away and far easier to navigate.
Biosecurity
Please keep your boots clean. Diseases like Ash Dieback are serious threats to our woods. Your cooperation helps ensure the giants of Flowerdale stand for another 300 years.
Plan Your Highland Adventure
Ready to explore the magic of Flowerdale Glen? Whether you are here for the waterfalls or the wilderness of An Gròban, a warm Highland welcome awaits you at the end of the trail.