Urquhart Bay

Urquhart Bay Wood, locally known as ‘The Cover’ lies on the shore of Loch Ness, just outside village of Drumnadrochit, a popular tourist destination. It is one of very few intact floodplain or alluvial woodlands remaining in the UK; a habitat which is considered to be rare throughout Europe. It has been designated as a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The wood is situated on a low-lying area between the deltas of the Rivers Coiltie and Enrick where they flow into Loch Ness. These are very dynamic rivers; floods cause frequent changes in the river channels and leave accumulations of fallen trees in their wake. Nessie spotters have been fooled by floating roots and tree trunks washed from the woods into the loch. 2kms of level footpaths make a figure of eight route through the centre of the wood and along the banks of the Coiltie. A walk in the woods provides opportunities to enjoy the rich woodland flora, or spot Blackcap, willow warbler, or pied flycatcher flitting between the ash, alder and bird cherry. Balmacaan, another Woodland Trust wood, is within walking distance of Urquhart Bay Woods.