Druim an Aird, near Laggan

Summary

This walk begins by passing above the lower Pattack gorge and its waterfalls. It then follows forest tracks to reach the lonely ruins of the deserted village of Druim an Aird. It was once possible to make a circuit using the Right of Way from Dalwhinnie, but this path has been lost following forest works so the return is back the same way.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Forest path and wide forestry tracks.

Getting there

Start

Pattack Falls car park off A86 west of Laggan.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NN567903

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.5km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 97m (Profile)

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OL55 Loch Laggan

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

The car park is on the left side of the A86 as you approach from the east (Laggan), it has a green Forestry Land Scotland sign for Pattack Falls. From the car park take the path heading south-east signed Forest Walks and Waterfall. Ignore the first path going off on the right and walk uphill for a short while until you reach a path junction. The viewing area for the waterfalls (not to be confused with the nearby more impressive Falls of Pattack) is just over the right here; the cascading river in its impressive gorge has been used as a location in TV's Monarch of the Glen. From the falls walk uphill along the main path (ignoring the faint path on the right next to the river).

Stage 2

The path winds uphill to a waymarked junction; you can turn left here to follow a loop path through the attractive pinewoods but it can be overgrown; both routes rejoin a little further on. Follow the path as it continues down to a t-junction with a forestry track where you turn right.

Stage 3

Follow the wide track. When a junction is reached, turn left. There are good distant views ahead towards the Creag Meagaidh range.

Stage 4

At another rather industrial looking junction, turn left again. Continue along the track. Soon the remains of Druim an Aird can be seen on the right in a fenced enclosure next to an interpretation sign. It is not known for certain why the village was deserted but one local story is that the villagers left after all the menfolk died in a snowstorm returning from wedding celebrations near by.

Stage 5

It used to be possible to make a different return using the old right of way from Dalwhinnie, but this was not reinstated after felling work and is now very difficult to follow with brash and bog. Instead, it's best to return the way you came.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Kingussie & Newtonmore Hotels

Kingussie & Newtonmore B&B

Kingussie & Newtonmore cottages

Cairngorms hostels

Glamping and Camping

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