An all-abilities trail with picnic tables and benches through beautiful woodland and then up to a viewpoint below the mountain of Creag Meagaidh. The gentle uphill section can be omitted to make the route completely flat.
Summary
All-abilities path suitable for most wheelchairs and all-terrain buggies.
Terrain
Aberarder, car park off A86 between Laggan and Spean Bridge
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1. There is a good-sized car park at Aberarder on the north side of the A86, opposite Loch Laggan. From the far end of the car park take the level path which forks left from the vehicle track. Immediately branch off to the left to follow the path across a meadow. This is part of the Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve which is managed by Scottish Natural Heritage. The Reserve covers a vast area straddling the east-west watershed and includes a range of rare habitats because of the big changes in altitude.
2. As the path approaches the trees on the far side of the meadow it swings right to pass through the trees to reach a picnic table near the river. To the left is a small shelter made from wooden hurdles. The path continues through a rich flower meadow, passing a sculpted bench before passing into the woods. These are home to many birds, including siskin, chaffinch, and warblers.
3. Follow the path as it crosses a bridge and meanders through the trees, passing two more seats. The area became a Reserve in 1986 following public concern at plans to plant conifer forestry in the glen. Since then work has been undertaken to encourage the natural regeneration of the broadleaved forest that once thrived here. The grazing sheep have been removed and deer numbers have been reduced through culling.
4. The path curves around and eventually emerges from the wood and reaches the main path at a t-junction (the path to the right is the return to the car park). Turn left here and go straight across the track to continue on the path to the buildings at Aberarder. Here there is a covered picnic area with information about the Reserve and recent wildlife spottings. From here the path heads very gently uphill passing to the right of the buildings to reach a small viewpoint. This section can be omitted if required.
5. If following the route to the viewpoint keep on the path as it heads up the glen. Evidence of the woodland regeneration can be seen in the mixture of alder, rowan, birch, hazel and willows. In past times this would have been a dense forest habitat that would have supported wildcat, wolves and bears. The small viewpoint (a wheelchair turning area) with a basic bench made out of stones is soon reached on the right. After this the path steepens and is pitched with stone for a short section - it leads eventually to Coire Ardair but this is a much more substantial walk. Instead turn around here and return to the car park by following the path back past the buildings and ignoring the turnings to the right.
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