This is really two separate very short walks on the edge of the Moine Mhor, the Great Moss - one of Britain's finest boglands and a National Nature Reserve. The second part of the walk ascends the miniature hill of Dunadd, a remarkable historic site that is tied in with the very beginnings of the Kingdom of Scotland.
Summary
The Moine Mhor 'Tileworks Trail' is very easy going and level; suitable for wheelchairs. The separate ascent of Dunadd is a short but steep ascent.
Terrain
Moine Mhor car park (first part). Parking at foot of Dunadd (second part). The map
of this route has the Nature Reserve part shown only.
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
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1. The first of these two short walks is the Moine Mhor Tileworks Trail, a short all-abilities path on the edge of this great National Nature Reserve. The parking is signed on the B8025. The trail is best done clockwise; a local tileworks used to take clay from the bog to make tiles and bricks, hence the name. The trail begins by heading through the woodland of birch, alder, sycamore and oak, heavily draped with lichen - a sign of clean air.
2. The path soon emerges on the edge of the great bog itself, with a seat by the path. The Moine Mhor has become deeper over its 5000 year development as the decaying plant material builds up; from some viewpoints the gentle dome-shape can be well seen as the centre of the bog slowly rises. Across the marsh can be seen the rocky hill of Dunadd - well worth a visit as described later. The path heads to the right, back amongst the trees, soon reaching a junction. Turn left here to visit a raised wooden walkway that extends out across the bog and allows a close inspection of this fabulous habitat.
3. Return to the junction, this time bearing left. The path soon heads back through the trees to return to the start. The woods have been cleared of invasive alien rhododendrons to permit the growth of more native trees, mosses, ferns and flowering plants. Look out for the lungwort on an old rowan tree. Back at the car park, the farming landscape across the road shows what the Moine Mhor would have been like if it had not been protected and preserved.
4. Before leaving the area it is well worth driving to Dunadd to visit this remarkable historic site; the walk to the top is no longer but much rougher and steeper than the Moine Mhor trail. Take the minor road across to the A816. Head south and the road that gives access to Dunadd is off on the right hand side - leading to a parking area. From here a path (signed initially) climbs up the hill; it is mostly grassy but boggy and steep in some places. The summit has wonderful views across the Moine Mhor and has a special place in the history. There are a number of carvings around the rock including a footprint near the top, said to have been used in the crowning ceremonies of the Kings of Dalriada, the Kingdom of Argyll and an antecedent of the creation of Scotland. Return back down the hill the same way.
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