Loch Kernsary Round from Poolewe
Highlands
Loch Kernsary lies in the moorland just east of Poolewe in Wester Ross, on the fringe of the Inverewe estate, and this 10km circuit gives a taste of the wild country behind the village without a big climb. Water almost the whole way round, from the loch to the Kernsary and Inveran rivers, gives a dog plenty to drink, though Kernsary farmyard needs a lead. From the car park by the River Ewe bridge, the route follows the pavement past the campsite before a signed path climbs through Cnoc na Lise, a native woodland planted by volunteers in 1993 and 1994, and out onto open moor. The path along the north-east shore of Loch Kernsary is rough and rocky, with rock steps, a stile and a boggy stretch, but the views across the water to the Fisherfield and Torridon mountains, even Liathach in the distance, are superb. The loch ends at Kernsary, a green oasis of fields and old oaks around a farm, and an easy track returns past Loch Maree, through deciduous woodland at Inveran and down a quiet private tarmac road beside the River Ewe. There is 195 metres of climbing in total.
This dog friendly walk has water almost the whole way round, from the loch itself to the Kernsary and Inveran rivers, and plenty of open ground for a dog to enjoy. The fields and yard at Kernsary farm need a lead, as can the stile and gates, and deer have been seen around the farm. The start is along a main road pavement.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 10.0 km (6.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Lake, Moorland, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on route; Poolewe village near the car park.
- Parking
- Car park immediately on the left after turning off the main road on the north side of the river bridge in Poolewe.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Loch Kernsary Round from Poolewe, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in HighlandsFrequently Asked Questions
Is Loch Kernsary Round from Poolewe dog friendly?
Loch Kernsary Round from Poolewe is a solid choice for dogs, earning a 7/10 on our dog friendly rating. The 10km circuit offers water almost the entire way — from the loch itself to the Kernsary and Inveran rivers — plus plenty of open moorland to explore. The terrain is rough and rocky in places, so it suits dogs that are reasonably fit and sure-footed.
Can dogs be off lead at Loch Kernsary Round from Poolewe?
Dogs can enjoy plenty of freedom on the open moorland and along the loch shore, but leads are needed at the Kernsary farmyard and through the surrounding fields. Deer have been spotted around the farm, so it's worth having your dog under close control in that area. The initial stretch from the car park also follows a main road pavement, so keep your dog on the lead there too.
What should I know before visiting Loch Kernsary Round from Poolewe with my dog?
The path along the north-east shore of Loch Kernsary is rough and rocky, with rock steps, a stile and a boggy section, so it's worth being prepared for uneven ground underfoot. On the plus side, water is available almost constantly throughout the route, so you won't need to carry much for your dog. There are no facilities on the route itself, but Poolewe village is close to the car park if you need anything before or after.
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Village Car Park, north side of the River Ewe bridge, Poolewe, Achnasheen IV22 2JX
57.7658, -5.6029
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