A pleasant circuit of Loch Coille Bhar, a good spot for wildlife and birdwatching. The almost level route includes a visit to an abandoned settlement and an ancient cross slab and well. The route lies within the Scottish Beaver reintroduction trial area.
Summary
Tracks and good paths which can be wet underfoot in a couple of places, short section of minor road.
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1. There is a Forestry Commission car park signed for Coille Bharr just west of Barnluasgan off the B8025. From here continue straight along the track, passing the vehicle barrier and following the red marker posts. Soon the deserted village of Kilmory Oib can be seen on the right hand side. A short detour on a path takes you through the village. Some of the, still standing, gable end walls have triangular vents in them and you can also see large sticking out stones near the roof line which were used to tie down the thatch roofs to stop the wind lifting them.
2. At the far end of the village there is a large upright carved cross in front of a well. On the side facing away from the water is carved a pair of birds and a sun and moon. After returning to the main track turn right and continue down it through mixed woodland.
3. After a while the ruins of a mill are reached. This was used to grind corn and a stream made from the loch by cutting the rock so there was a water supply to power the mill. Follow the steps up beside the stream to visit a viewpoint over the water. After returning to the mill continue along the track.
4. When the track forks keep to the left and head slightly uphill. The track now curves around the end of the loch - a bench has a good view over the water. At the end of the track follow the narrow path crossing a small bridge and following the undulating path along the edge of the loch and through a mixture of native trees. Turn left onto a track, following the main route.
Photo ©Colin Chambers, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
5. After a section of boardwalk keeps you out of the boggy ground turn left onto the remains of a track and follow this, pass a gate and then steps down to a boat jetty, before reaching the road. Turn left here and follow the road to the car park at Barnluasgan. Here there is an informative display in the log cabin. Afterwards continue along the road for a very short distance and then turn left through a small gate. Follow the grassy path (which can be wet underfoot) down towards the loch. After a while head to the right to pass through a small gate into woodland. Follow the path which bears left and follow the loch passing through pines and then broadleaved trees before it turns left at a marker post to return to the car park and the start of the walk.
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