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Distance - 4.5 miles
Time - 2.5 hours
OS Map Explorer 374
Grading - Easy
Terrain - Good path
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Park
in Tobermory at the Ledaig Car park and take the Forest Enterprise
waymarked footpath at the far end of the car park. This goes
uphill between the new Harbour building and Macgochans Bar. The
path goes through mixed woodland and there are delightful views
across the
bay to Calve Island and the cliffs of Morvern on the mainland.
After half a mile the path crosses Sput Dubh; here the burn
cascades to the shore in a spectacular waterfall which was a
watering point for the Royal Navy who were based here back in
1940.
The path soon turns steeply to the right. as the former track was
blocked by a landslide some years since. Look out for the seal
colony basking on the skerries in front of Calve Island. The new
path runs parallel above the old one until a fork is reached. Take
the left-hand path and continue down the hill to join the original
path.
Keep going straight on and cross the bridge which goes over the
burn below the Lower Falls, one of three stunning waterfalls
within the park. At the next fork take the left hand path which is
sign posted to the pier and continue on the track down to the
pier.
As you walk down to the pier look closely on the
rocks
where the burn flows into the sea. This is a favourite haunt of
the elusive otter. This old stone pier was where the fuel and food
supplies would have been off-loaded for Aros House and timber from
the Estate would be loaded and sent into the town to be
distributed to joiners and builders. The pier is now crumbling
into the sea on the far side so please do not be tempted to climb
the fence. The footpath now continues up past the old sawmill and
goes left to follow the shore of the loch.
Go along the lochan trail circling Lochan a Ghurrabain which is
full of water lilies and abundant bird life. Heron, Mallard,
Goosander and Goldeneye can often be seen on the Loch and there
have been some sightings of a Water Rail. Blackcap, Goldcrest, and
Treecreepers can be found in the trees surrounding the Loch.
Lochan a Ghurrabain is artificial and was created as a power
source for the mill but now provides a wonderful location for
birdwatchers,
walkers and fishermen alike. Tobermory Angling Club leases the
Loch which is stocked with rainbow trout.
As you cross the burn you will see a ruined stone building to the
left. This was once the Power House that provided the electricity
for Aros House. The estate actually had electricity long before it
was available in Tobermory. Take the path on the left beside the
Power House which goes steeply uphill to provide a wonderful
vantage point and seating
area to view the waterfall which plunges over 100 feet down from
the top of the cliff. Continue on the path until a tarmac drive is
reached. Turn right and go down to the main car park.
The car park was made from the stone of Aros House when it was
demolished and now provides a charming picnic and Barbeque area.
Aros House, once owned by the Allan shipping family, was
demolished by the army in 1962 as it was unsafe. The doors of the
house are now the doors of Tobermory Parish Church on Argyll
Terrace. Leave the car park on the path which goes out beside the
public toilets and you can either take the shore path to retrace
your steps back to Tobermory or make a detour to the Upper Falls
and return to Tobermory via the Salen Road.
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