Peanmeanach village and beach

ARDNAMURCHAN AND THE ROAD TO THE ISLES


Summary :	A lovely walk with great coastal views out to the Small Isles. Peanmeanach is a deserted village with a bothy and lovely white sandy beach.
Terrain :	Clear path over rough ground with some boggy areas between the old village and the beach.
Grade :		Distance :	11km/6.75 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	3 – 4 hours
Start :	Parking at a large layby off A830 between Lochailort and Beasdale Station just after Loch Dubh in the direction of Mallaig.	Grid ref :	NM424342
Map :	View an OS map of the route Buy Explorer 390 – Ardnamurchan	Ascent :	386m
GPS Route/ Waypoints :	Open this walk in QUO 2 Tell me more Open this walk in GPX format (compatible with Memory map etc)	Open this walk in Google Earth Tell me more Open all walks in Google Earth Tell me more
Pronunciation and meaning :	Press play button to listen Tell me more
Public Transport :	[Click for timetables - choose Area 3]

1. From the layby on the A830 go through the gap in the fence, following the sign for Peanmeanach, and go straight on along a gravel path. Ignore the path heading uphill on the left. The path curves round to the right and then heads downhill steeply for a short section. The path becomes wet in places as it passes through birch woodland.

2. The path soon reaches the far end of Loch Dubh and crosses a small concrete bridge over the railway line. There is an amusing sign prohibiting vehicles on the bridge. This point is a good place to watch for the steam train that runs from Fort William to Mallaig in the summer months. From here the path crosses a small wooden bridge and then climbs uphill to continue on rough ground but with great coastal views.

3. Continue on the path as it winds along the ridge above Loch Beag. The path then heads a little way inland across rough moorland. The path is easy to follow although boggy in places. The path passes Loch Doir a'Ghearrain and crosses a stream on stepping stones before descending into oak and birch woodland.

4. The path becomes paved and clearer as it goes gently downhill through the woods before emerging at the back of a flat area of grass and reeds leading to the shore. Cross this on the clear, straight path through the middle towards the sea. Although this path can look very wet it has stones on it and can usually be crossed without getting damp feet. At the far end of the path emerge at the start of the ruined village of Peanmeanach.

5. From here the coast and beach can be explored for as far as the tide allows. There are impressive mussel beds exposed at low tides. Return from the beach to examine the remains of the houses, one of which is an open bothy, maintained by volunteers with the Mountain Bothies Association.

6. The return route is by the same path as the outward route. There are good views across the sea to the Small Isles of Rum and Eigg on a fine day.

Have you done this walk?

If so, why not be the first comment on it in our Forum. If you start a new topic in the walking discussion with the name of this walk as the topic, we will link the discussion to the walk so that others can read your comments here.

Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing?

Please let us know by using the error report form.

Route profile

Accommodation links for this area:
Ardnamurchan and the Road to the Isles Hotels and Inns
Ardnamurchan and the Road to the Isles B&B (Bed and Breakfasts)
Self catering cottages in Ardnamurchan and the Road to the Isles
Fort William, Lochaber and Glencoe hostels