This waymarked forest walk visits the sad remains of the cleared village of Aoineadh Mòr . The return variant climbs steeply but briefly and gives a great view over Loch Doire nam Mart.
Waymarked forest paths; steep ascent and descent on return.
None.
Aoineadh Mòr Cleared Village car park, near Loch Arienas.
From the forestry car park, take the path on the right hand side near the information board. Continue along the undulating path through the forest until you reach a signpost; take Mary's path to the right. Mary Cameron was one of the villagers suddenly cleared from Inniemore in 1824, and her account of the departure left a poignant record - you can listen to it later in the walk.
Continue along this path; you will soon see the beginning of the village boundary wall down on your right and then come out of the trees. Eventually the path curves gently uphill and to the left, and there are views towards ruins of the village to your right. Carry on until you see another signpost; you will return to this point later, but first take the path for Aoineadh Mòr to the right.
Pass through the gate and head out into what was once the village. Ignore a path off right, instead continuing as the grass path bears left past ruins and a bench - there is a sound installation here where you can listen to Mary's story. Head towards the gate but don't pass through, instead bearing right, with a view of the whole village.
Follow the path as it leads back to rejoin the outward route, then turn left to follow this back through the gate to the signpost in the forest.
This time go straight ahead, taking James' path. The path honours Mary's husband James who carried his mother from the village on his back in a creel (basket) while Mary left with their children on the lower path. The path steeply rises through forestry, before levelling out and reaching a fine viewpoint - complete with bench - overlooking Loch Doire nam Mart. Eventually the path descends to rejoin the outward route; turn right here to head back to the car park.
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