Smirisary Walk | Smirisary Beach | Walks in Highlands

#AlexExplorer A pleasant walk along a rough/coastal path to the ancient crofting village of Smirisary in Moidart and onto the silvery sands. Good views over the Bay of Arisaig and to the Small Isles. The species-rich coastal grassland, the sandy shell beach and clear blue seas make it an ideal spot for botanising, beachcombing, a picnic, paddle or swim. Take time to revel in the beauty of the coastal heath, machair grassland and wet meadow. The coastal grassland is a riot of colour in Spring and early summer, studded with fragrant orchid, heath-spotted orchid, early marsh orchid, thyme, rue, wild carrot and birdsfoot trefoil. The wet meadows are variously tinged with the yellows of bog asphodel, the pinkish-reds of water avens and the purples of devil's bit scabious, according to season. The ledges on the surrounding hills support an eclectic mix of species, including aspen, wood sage and English stonecrop. Butterflies and moths include meadow brown, common blue, dark green fritillary and six-spot burnet. Golden-ringed dragonflies patrol suitable breeding waters and four-spotted chaser take up territorial perches on emergent vegetation. Look out for raptors on the crags. The route can be very boggy in places and crosses a steep ravine, but it is a great walk on a sunny day for the scenery of, mainly open habitats and the wonderful isolated beach. The Smirisary walk is a ‘there and back’ walk, with the option of an alternative loop around the village to vary the route. The walk can very boggy in places so stout, waterproof footwear is recommended. Grade: moderate Terrain: rough track, boggy Length: 6.5km (4 miles) Type: there and back