This easy walk in a varied landscape takes in the Pattack gorge waterfalls and the ruins of the deserted village of Druim an Aird.
Summary
Easy to follow, waymarked route with gentle up and down sections.
Terrain
Druim an Aird car park off A86 west of Laggan.
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1. From the car park take the path heading south-east and walk uphill for a short while until you reach a path junction. The viewing platform for Pattack Falls is just over the right here; the cascading river in its impressive gorge has been used as a location in Monarch of the Glen. From the falls walk uphill along the main path (ignoring the faint path next to the river). The path winds uphill to a waymarked junction; turn left here to follow a loop path through the attractive pinewoods.
2. The path then heads south through more open ground with heather which looks spectacular during late summer and autumn. Cross the open ground on the clear path and then head downhill to a picnic bench; turn left at the junction where you rejoin the path left earlier. Continue straight ahead to a junction with a forestry track where you turn left.
3. Continue along the track until you pass a small house on the right. Immediately after the house turn right onto a footpath signed for Dalwhinnie. The path follows a water culvert for a short distance before passing through a gate and heading slightly uphill. The path here can be wet underfoot at times. The path climbs gently through woodland passing a carved tree trunk seat. Soon the path reaches open ground where the plantation has been felled with good views of the surrounding countryside.
4. Continue straight ahead with the fence on the left, the path soon leaves the open ground and for a short while follows a wide break in the pine plantation. Another clearing is reached and soon the remains of Druim an Aird can be seen on the left in a fenced enclosure next to an interpretation sign. It is not known why the village was deserted but one theory is that the villagers left after all the menfolk died in a snowstorm returning from wedding celebrations near by.
5. From the ruins continue along the path until a junction where you turn right along a track. Continue past a picnic bench and head into open country with good views ahead. The track heads downhill, turn right at the next junction. Follow this track back to the T junction where you turn left and head uphill. At the fork take the left hand turning and cross the heathery ground before walking downhill and back into the woods. Soon you reach the viewing platform for the falls and the path back to the car park.
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