Sandaig (Camusfearna)

GLENELG PENINSULA


Summary :	A short walk to pretty and atmospheric Sandaig bay, the setting for Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell.
Terrain :	The walk is on forestry tracks down to the coast with the option (as described) of returning on a steep woodland path or back via the forestry track.
Grade :		Distance :	4km/2.5 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	1.5 - 2 hours
Start :	Upper Sandaig	Grid ref :	NG784152
Map :	View an OS map of the route Buy Explorer 413 - Knoydart online	Ascent :	150m
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 :	Infrequent bus service to Arnisdale, get off at Upper Sandaig.[Click for timetables - choose Area 4]

1. Park at the side of the road near the forestry track turning just before Loch Drabhaig and the green tin house at Upper Sandaig on the Arnisdale road from Glenelg. Turn down the track passing round the gate if locked into the forestry. There is a nice view of the small Loch Drabhaig to your left and the house at Upper Sandaig, which was where Gavin Maxwell's friends Morag and Calum MacKinnon lived.

2. The forestry track continues downhill, keep on the main track ignoring two tracks off to the right. The track then reaches a third junction which is where you will come put if you take the the woodland path return route. Keep left and continue downhill, crossing the Allt Mor Shantaig on a sturdy bridge. Soon you reach a crossroads, turn right here and right again at the next crossroads a little way on.

3. Follow this track downhill until you reach a lovely viewpoint from which you can see the bay and Sandaig Islands. Continue downhill through the forestry and then natural woodland until you come out through a gate onto the overgrown grassland in front of the beach.

4. To the right can be found the site of Gavin Maxwell's Camusfearna, a memorial boulder covers the resting place of his ashes. A second memorial to his beloved otter, Edal , can be found nearer to the river bank. The bay is a lovely place to explore and watch the widlife.

5. An attractive, but steep in places, return route can be found on the other side of the stream, or the forestry track can be followed for a less energetic walk. If crossing the stream, either cross near the bend just before the stream meets the sea or use the rope bridge pictured in the photograph.

6. From the rope bridge turn right and follow the stream a short distance before crossing a stile and heading uphill through lovely native woodland. The path is easy to follow, meandering through the deer-filled woods until it emerges onto the forestry track. Turn left and after a short distance you are back at the start.

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