Slaggan Bay beach, near Aultbea

Summary

A pleasant and straightforward walk passing a loch with waterlilies and the ruins of Slaggan before reaching the sandy beach at Slaggan Bay. The walk can be extended to a long circuit by heading north along the coastline from the beach, round Greenstone Point and back by Opinon.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Good track throughout.

Getting there

Start

Parking area on the road between Achgarve and Mellon Udrigle 50 metres north of the walk start.

Public Transport

None.

Start Grid Ref

NG888940

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 10km / 6.25 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 100m (Profile)

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Explorer 434 - Gairloch

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Walk Description

User reports (5)

Stage 1

There is room to park at a small quarry just north of the farm gate (signed for Slaggan Bay) at the start of the walk. Go through the farm gate from the road and follow the clear track. The village of Achgarve is visible to your left and after rounding the corner Loch na h-Innse Gairbhe comes into view.

Stage 2

The far end of the Loch is often covered with flowering waterlilies in the summer months. The route continues on the track, ignore a faint grassy track to the left and remain on the main track. This crosses open heather moorland sometimes grazed by Highland cattle.

Stage 3

After a couple more kilometres from the Loch the ruins of Slaggan come into view. Slaggan was a typical crofting village which at one time had a school and teacher. However by the time of the second world war the population had dwindled to six. The last family to live there were the Mackenzies from Achgarve who built the house where the gable ends remain in 1936 with help from the Crofting Commission. This house burnt down in 1942/3 and the family moved permanently to Achgarve leaving the village deserted.

Stage 4

Go through the farm gate at the ruins and follow the grassy path towards the bay. The beautiful sandy beach is revealed at the last moment. Head down onto the sands.

Stage 5

The beach is stunning unless the tide is right in, however strong currents can make swimming dangerous so care should be taken. It is possible to extend the walk to a long circuit by following a path north round the coastline and Greenstone Point before returning via Opinan. Our easy route, however, is simple to retrace your steps via outward track. As you get nearer the road there are views to the mountains ahead including An Teallach.

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