An easy short walk through beautiful ancient oak woodlands; the walk visits an excellent wildlife hide on the shores of Loch Sunart.
Summary
Easy woodland paths.
Terrain
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1. Park at the Ard Airigh car park which is signed on the south side of the A861 (another car park a kilometre further west (disabled badge-holders only) has an alternative route to the wildlife hide which is wheelchair accessible).
2. Begin the walk along the wide path from the wooden post (marked with the Sunart woodlands oak leaf symbol and 'Garbh Eilean wildlife hide - 780m'. This area was once planted with exotic conifers but these have been felled in recent years and the regeneration of the temperate rain forest is being encouraged. Such forests once clothed most of Europe's Atlantic coasts and there are several remnants of the ancient forest around Loch Sunart. After a short distance the path forks; keep right (signed for the hide). The path climbs uphill as it continues between oaks, hazel and birch trees.
3. The path then descends with excellent views of Loch Sunart ahead. It joins a larger path at a 't-junction' - this is the wheelchair-accessible path coming down from the car park for disabled visitors to reach the hide. Turn left here and continue downhill; a winding elevated boardwalk leads to the hide.
4. The beautifully constructed hide fits perfectly with its surroundings. There are a series of viewing slots suitable for visitors of all heights! The hide overlooks the shoreline and Garbh Eilean (Rough Island) just offshore; this is a great place for watching wildlife. You may see herons, various types of divers and seals; if you are quiet, patient and lucky, this is also a great place to see an otter. Otters love the oakwoods sweeping down to the sea as they mean that most of the coastline is completely undisturbed.
5. Return from the hide to the junction of the wheelchair path, and turn right to continue the return the way you came. There are good views down to Garbh Eilean through the trees. Further on you'll reach the junction near the start of the walk; you can turn right here to return to the car park via a different loop. This passes a wooden bench with a terrific view of Loch Sunart.
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