Peanmeanach village and beach

Summary

This stunning walk leads to a deserted village set behind a lovely secluded beach. There are superb views of the coast and islands on the walk out; on a sunny summer's day you wouldn't trade it for the world.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Clear but rough hillpath, boggy in places.

Getting there

Start

Parking at a large layby off A830 between Lochailort and Beasdale Station just after Loch Dubh in the direction of Mallaig.

Public Transport

Bus services to Mallaig run past the start.

Start Grid Ref

NM742835

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 11.5km / 7.25 miles
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 396m (Profile)

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Explorer 390 - Ardnamurchan

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Walk Description

User reports (13)

Stage 1

From the layby on the A830 go through the gap in the fence, following the sign for Peanmeanach. The path soon leads to the left of a gravel quarry, and then heads downhill through birch woodland; the going can be wet in places.

Stage 2

The path soon crosses a small concrete bridge over the railway line - with an amusing sign prohibiting vehicles on the bridge. This point is a good place to watch for the steam train that runs from Fort William to Mallaig in the summer months. From here the path crosses a small wooden bridge. At a fork - which can easily be missed - keep on the left hand path that climbs uphill to continue on rough ground to crest a rise with a sudden view over the coastline ahead.

Stage 3

The path then descends briefly before climbing once more up onto the ridge above the south side of Loch Beag. The loch merges with Loch Nan Uamh, where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed during the Jacobite rebellion.

Stage 4

The going underfoot improves a little as the path continues across moorland, with stunning views out towards the islands of Eigg and Rum.

Stage 5

The path passes Loch Doire a'Ghearrain - seen backed by the mountains of the Rois-bheinn range - and then crosses a burn on stepping stones.

Stage 6

The path has its old stone paving in places as it descends gently, soon leading into a fragment of old oakwoods before emerging at the back of a flat area of grass and reeds leading to the shore. Cross this on the clear, straight path through the middle towards the sea. There are a couple of boggy sections.

Stage 7

At the far end of the path emerge at the start of the ruined village of Peanmeanach. Examine the remains of the houses, the one with the roof once served as a school and then a post office. It is used to be an open bothy maintained by the MBA but the estate has withdrawn it and it is now locked and closed to walkers turning up.

Stage 8

From here you can head across the grassy ground to reach the beach, which is sandy at low tide. There's a second small beach just over the headland to the north.

Stage 9

The return route is by the same path as the outward route - no great disadvantage in such stunning surroundings.

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