Pattack Falls and Druim an Aird

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This easy walk in a varied landscape takes in the Pattack gorge waterfalls and the ruins of the deserted village of Druim an Aird. NOTE: Due to fallen trees and construction work for Beauly-Denny Powerline the return section of the walk from Druim an Aird is currently closed and impassable - an out and back route to the ruined village only is possible - follow any diversion signs.

Terrain

Easy to follow, waymarked route with gentle up and down sections.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Druim an Aird car park off A86 west of Laggan. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.5km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 131m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN567903

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Walk Description

Stage 1

From the car park take the path heading south-east and walk uphill for a short while until you reach a path junction. The viewing platform for Pattack Falls is just over the right here; the cascading river in its impressive gorge has been used as a location in Monarch of the Glen. From the falls walk uphill along the main path (ignoring the faint path next to the river). The path winds uphill to a waymarked junction; turn left here to follow a loop path through the attractive pinewoods.

Stage 2

The path then heads south through more open ground with heather which looks spectacular during late summer and autumn. Cross the open ground on the clear path and then head downhill to a picnic bench; turn left at the junction where you rejoin the path left earlier. Continue straight ahead to a junction with a forestry track where you turn left.

Stage 3

Continue along the track until you pass a small house on the right. Immediately after the house turn right onto a footpath signed for Dalwhinnie. The path follows a water culvert for a short distance before passing through a gate and heading slightly uphill. The path here can be wet underfoot at times. The path climbs gently through woodland passing a carved tree trunk seat. Soon the path reaches open ground - crossing over a new track used in the construction of the Beauly-Denny powerline. On this section the plantation has been felled with good views of the surrounding countryside.

Stage 4

Continue straight ahead with the fence on the left, the path soon leaves the open ground and for a short while follows a wide break in the pine plantation. Another clearing is reached and soon the remains of Druim an Aird can be seen on the left in a fenced enclosure next to an interpretation sign. It is not known why the village was deserted but one theory is that the villagers left after all the menfolk died in a snowstorm returning from wedding celebrations near by.

Stage 5

The return walk is currently closed - so ignore the rest of the this description below and return the same way following any diversion signs. From the ruins continue along the path until a junction where you turn right along a track. Continue past a picnic bench and head into open country with good views ahead towards the Creag Meagaidh range. The track heads downhill, turn right at the next junction beside the quarry used in the Beauly-Denny powerline construction works.

Stage 6

Follow this track back to the T junction where you turn left and head uphill. At the fork take the left hand turning and cross the heathery ground before walking downhill and back into the woods. Soon you reach the viewing platform for the falls and the path back to the car park.

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