Slaggan near Aultbea

GAIRLOCH AND POOLEWE


Summary :	A pleasant and straightforward walk passing a loch with waterlilies and the ruins of Slaggan before reaching the sandy beach at Slaggan Bay.
Terrain :	The walk to a lovely sandy bay follows a well maintained farm track with little up or down.
Grade :		Distance :	10km/6.25 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	2.5 – 3 hours
Start :	Parking area on the road between Achgarve and Mellon Udrigle 50 metres north of the walk start.	Grid ref :	NG888940
Map :	View an OS map of the route Buy Explorer 434 – Gairloch online	Ascent :	100m
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 :	None[Click for timetables - choose Area 5]

1. Go through the farm gate from the road and follow the clear track. The village of Achgarve is visible to your left and after rounding the corner Loch na h-Innse Gairbhe comes into view. The far end of the Loch is often covered with flowering waterlilies in the summer months.

2. The route continues on the track, ignore a faint grassy track to the left and remain on the main track. This crosses open heather moorland sometimes grazed by Highland cattle. After a couple more kilometres from the Loch the ruins of Slaggan come into view.

3. Slaggan was a typical crofting village which at one time had a school and teacher. However by the time of the second world war the population had dwindled to six. The last family to live there were the Mackenzies from Achgarve who built the house where the gable ends remain in 1936 with help from the Crofting Commission. This house burnt down in 1942/3 and the family moved permanently to Achgarve leaving the village deserted. Go through the farm gate at the ruins and follow the grassy path to the bay.

4. The bay has a lovely sandy beach and good views, however it may have strong currents that can make swimming dangerous so care should be taken. The return route is by the same outward track. As you get nearer the road there are views to the mountains ahead including An Teallach.

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Route profile

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