Leacanashie, Strome Castle and Ardaneaskan

In the pinewoods above Loch Carron, you will find evidence of pine martens - the rocky outcrops providing ideal breeding sites. These small mammals, active by night, feed on small animals and sometimes berries. The females, when feeding their young, may occasionally be spotted in daylight.

Three varieties of heather are seen on this walk. Look for common heather or 'ling' as it is known in England. It is this plant which turns moors purple in late summer and early autumn. White heather is a variant. Cross leafed heath has four tiny leaves in whorls about a thin stem. It has large pink flowers which appear from June onwards. Bell heather has three tiny leaves in a whorl. The stem has short leafy shoots. Its bright purple flowers brighten the drier areas during July and August.

There is wildlife to be seen on this walk too. Seals and otters can regularly be seen around the shores of Loch Carron. Herons, oystercatchers, redshanks and other waders feed in the tidal pools in quiet inlets. You may even see the occasional golden eagle, circling high overhead in the wild mountainous areas.

Leacanashie and Ardaneaskan are small hamlets visited during the walk. On a working day you may pass through both without seeing another person. It is a very peaceful corner of western Scotland. Both Leacanashie and Ardaneaskan have small parking areas for visitors, most of which will be here to do this walk.