This short walk visits the haunting ruins of Arichonan, a township which was the scene of a riot during the Highland Clearances. The site has fine views down Caol Scotnish.
Bog Factor
Good forest paths and tracks
Glean a Gealbhan forestry car park.
None to start.
NR777910
The walk begins from the Glean a' Gealbhan (the Glen of Burning) forestry car park off the B8025. Start by heading back up to the road and look out for a yellow marker post on the far side indicating the beginning of the path. This heads through the trees to the right, keeping just above, but parallel, to the road at first. Further on the path curves left uphill. There are great views looking back over Caol Scotnish. Further on the path slopes downhill before bearing right once more.
The path crosses a small burn before reaching the start of the abandoned village. In 1848 the landowner terminated the leases of four of the tenant families but when police came to enforce the evictions the villagers, supported by others from surrounding townships, rioted. Eventually several were jailed. The haunting remains of the houses enjoy a beautiful site, with fine views along the narrow channel of Caol Scotnish.
It is worth wandering up to the top end of the village, passing above two houses with more substantial remains; note the triangular windows on the upper house. After pondering the past and enjoying the present, return to the steps mentioned earlier, and this time head up them. They climb through the forest and soon reach a vehicle track.
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