Leacanashie, Strome Castle and Ardaneaskan

To a ruined castle above a loch, into woodland and to a headland

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Statistics and Files
Start: Leacanashie Distance: 6.0 miles (9.6 km) Climbing: 388 metres
Grid Ref: NG 85131 35615 Time: 3 hours Rating: Moderate
GPX Route File Google Earth File About Strome Castle
Statistics
Start: Leacanashie Distance: 6.0 miles (9.6 km)
Climbing: 388 metres Grid Ref: NG 85131 35615
Time: 3 hours Rating: Moderate
GPX Route File Google Earth File
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

The Walk: Loch Carron, an inlet on the north west shores of Scotland, is bounded by sloping hills, many of them planted with conifers. The elusive pine marten lives among the trees, while the loch provides a haven for many species of sea birds. It has a strategically placed castle - a ruin since 1602 - and its waters have a scattering of small islands. From high points around the loch, there are wonderful views of the Cuillen Mountains of Skye.

Strome CastleStrome Castle
ArdaneaskanArdaneaskan

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.


Acknowledgments: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.

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