An easy walk exploring the remains of the original settlement at Daingean. The walk has some nice views over Loch Garry and beyond.
Summary
Easy paths with some gentle uphill and downhill sections.
Terrain
NH239032
Grid ref
0.75km/0.25 miles
Distance
Grade
Daingean Trail car park off A87 five miles north west of Invergarry
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Pronunciation
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1. If heading from Invergarry on the A87 turn right just after the Kinlochhourn turning and follow the rough forestry track approximately half a mile to the parking area. Coming from the north, the turning to the left is not signed. At the parking area there is a board explaining the way people lived at Daingean both before and after the Clearances, when they were moved from the land to make way for 'more valuable' sheep. Opposite the car park there is a marker post with a view over the remains of the rig and furrow cultivation system. The rigs (or ridges) were manured to improve the poor soil and crops such as oats, barley and potatoes planted on top, the furrows aided drainage. The run-rig system ensured that all families received an equal share of the good ground each year. To start the walk follow the gravel path to the right of the board, passing a leaflet box. The path climbs gently with marker posts to indicate the archaeological remains that can be seen from the route.
2. Keep going uphill, ignoring a path to the left, and soon the first marker post is reached. Here the remains of a cruck-built long house can be seen. The two rooms would have housed a family and their animals in each room with the family room having a central hearth and a hole in the roof to let the smoke out. Continue up the hill passing the remains of enclosures and passing a turning to the left. A viewpoint reached looking out over Loch Garry and to Bein Tee beyond.
3. Retrace the route downhill a short way and take the turning to the right and follow the path as it bends round to pass a sheep fank on the right and the remains of another long house and then a corn kiln. Here you can the circular remains of the pit used for drying grain. Warm air from a fire outside the kiln was drawn into the bowl along a low passage and then rose up through timbers on which the grain lay. The kiln was enclosed in a small barn which might have provided a warm venue for ceilidhs. From here follow the path as it bends and detours to a second viewpoint.
4. From the viewpoint return to the main path and follow it to marker point G ignoring a left hand turn. Here the more modern remains of cottages can be seen. These were the last houses to be occupied at Daingean. Retrace the route a short while and take the right hand fork and follow the trail as it crosses the remains of an old turf and stone dyke running down the shallow valley from near the corn kiln. The remains of another long-house are passed on the right and then the path crosses a small stream and loops round to rejoin the original path from the car park. At this junction turn right to the parking area.
5. Further information about the Daingean site, local Glengarry history, and other walks on Forestry Commission ground can be found in the Heritage Centre in Invergarry, 5 miles away. This is located in the recently built Community Hall on the right hand side of the main road as you enter Invergarry from the north. There are public toilets here. The Heritage Centre is open Tues- Fri 11am to 3pm April to Sept inclusive.
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