Daingean Trail, Glengarry

Summary

This easy-going walk exploring the atmopsheric remains of the abandoned settlement at Daingean. The walk is short but has fine views over Loch Garry and beyond. It was opened with interpretative boards and information on site but these have all been removed - the path and ruins remain.

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Grade

Bog Factor

1.8/5

Rating

Terrain

Easy paths with some gentle uphill and downhill sections.

Getting there

Start

Daingean parking area off A87 five miles north west of Invergarry.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NH239032

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 0.75km / 0.5 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Ascent: 41m (Profile)

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Explorer 400 - Loch Lochy

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

If heading from Invergarry on the A87 turn right just after the Kinlochhourn turning. A rough gravel track runs uphill for approximately 600m distance to the parking area on the left - it is steep and loose, so if in doubt you could instead park on the right at the start of the track. Daingean was inhabited both before and after the Clearances, but was greatly changed. Take the grassy path that begins from the car park. There is a good view over the remains of the rig and furrow cultivation system. The rigs (or ridges) were manured to improve the poor soil and crops such as oats, barley and potatoes planted on top, the furrows aided drainage. The run-rig system ensured that all families received an equal share of the good ground each year.

Stage 2

The path climbs gently; the interpretation that was once on site has been removed, but the archaeological remains are clear to see. Keep going uphill, ignoring a path to the left. On the right, the remains of a cruck-built long house can be seen. The two rooms would have housed a family and their animals in each room with the family room having a central hearth and a hole in the roof to let the smoke out.

Stage 3

Continue up the hill passing the remains of enclosures and passing a turning to the left. A viewpoint reached looking out over Loch Garry and to Ben Tee beyond. Retrace the route downhill a short way and take the turning to the right and follow the path as it bends round to pass a sheep fank on the right and the remains of another long house and then a corn kiln. Here you can the circular remains of the pit used for drying grain. Warm air from a fire outside the kiln was drawn into the bowl along a low passage and then rose up through timbers on which the grain lay. The kiln was enclosed in a small barn which might have provided a warm venue for ceilidhs. From here follow the path as it bends and detours to a second viewpoint.

Stage 4

From the viewpoint return to the main path and follow it,ignoring a left hand turn. Here the more modern remains of cottages can be seen. These were the last houses to be occupied at Daingean. Retrace the route a short while and take the right hand fork and follow the trail as it crosses the remains of an old turf and stone dyke running down the shallow valley from near the corn kiln. The remains of another long-house are passed on the right and then the path crosses a small stream and loops round to rejoin the original path from the car park. At this junction turn right to the parking area. Further information about the Daingean site and local Glengarry history can be found in the Heritage Centre in Invergarry Community Hall, on the right as you enter Invergarry from the north. There are public toilets here.

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