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The West Highland Hotel is situated in a prominent, elevated position in Mallaig, at the end of The Road to The Isles, being only a short walk away from the railway station and the ferry port with regular sailings to the Isle of Skye and The Small Isles. The hotel retains the traditional charm of an age gone but with comfortable modern en-suite rooms. The West Highland Hotel offers a choice of dining experiences including the stylish Island View Restauarant, The Longe, The West Bar and Conservatory with panoramic views out to the Islands.
Kinlochmoidart Old Road
Details
A pleasant, scenic walk and interesting walk along the old track on the north side of Loch Moidart that formerly connected Glenuig and Kinlochmoidart. There are excellent views of Loch Moidart on route.
The area has a long history and turbulent history of occupation, including an Iron Age fort (An Dun), pre-historic ‘hut circles’, charcoal and kelp burning sites (recessed platforms) used during 18th and 19th centuries, lazybeds and ruined buildings. There are also some coffin cairns along the route.
The Iron Age Dun is thought to have been constructed to protect local farmers in their circular wooden huts with turf roofs. The fortified hilltop consisted of a number of encircling drystone walls. An Dun is also known locally as 'Plate Rock' as it is rumoured to have served as the hiding place for valuables of the MacDonalds of Kinlochmoidart (supporters of the Jacobite Uprising og 1745), following the defeat of Bonnie Princes Charles at Culloden in 1746 (see Moidart History Walk 3). Execution, the burning of Kinlochmoidart House and the confiscation of estate and assets was the tragic outcome for the family.
More recently, the track has been used for the six day motorbike trials, with the notorious Devils Staircase some 600 metres from the start of the path. The old road is longer used for the trials, but the path is still a popular attraction walkers and fans of the trials alike.
The route can be a little muddy and vertiginous in places, but it is well worth the effort.
See Moidart History Walk 3 (A Walk to An Dun, Moidart Local History Group) for a detailed historical perspective.
Route Details
1. The track is marked on OS maps as a footpath/track and can be joined at various points along the road. We recommend starting by the old jetty at Kinlochmoidart where the start of the path is marked by a small stone cairn.
The route ascends gradually and runs parallel with the A861 through Atlantic oak woodland. There are some steep sections.
2. When the old road rejoins the A861 you may either retrace your path or walk back along the road.
The road runs along the sides of Loch Moidart and offers good opportunities for spotting otters, especially on the incoming tide. Although a double track road, this section of the A861 has a resonably wide grass verge to walk on and it is not particulary busy. However, you should take due care and attention if returning by the road route.
Location
starting grid ref:
NM694728
parking grid ref:
NM692730
Links to useful information
grade:
- moderate
terrain:
path, vertginous in places
length:
3.6km (2.2 miles)
Type:
- circular
- there and back
Safety
Route details and information are provided in good faith. All walking is potentially dangerous and it is your responsibility to ensure that you are properly dressed and equipped, have a map and compass, have checked and planned your route in advance and are able to navigate effectively. Maps displayed on these walking pages are intended as an overview of the walk and are NOT suitable for navigation. Please follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and respect landowners and residents' privacy. Always check the weather forecast and let others know if you are walking in the hills.
