BEN MOR COIGACH RESERVE GO WILD – UP NORTH
Ancient lichens Bog cotton
and orchids Sundew and
butterwort Birch, Aspen,
Rowan and Holly trees Stonechat and wheatear Golden eagles Adders
and lizards Basking sharks Red deer Pine marten Wildcats Watervoles Otters
B
en Mor Coigach is Scottish Wildlife Trust’s largest property and is a magical mixture of high peaks,
coastline, crofted and wild land, and of people and of nature in the raw. An excellent way to introduce yourself to the estate is to approach its largest township of Achiltibuie by way of the Postman’s Path. Tis old route clings to the coastline and was used not so long ago to bring the post to and from the township before the road came. Taking the Postman’s Path is an adventure and a physical and spiritual journey into wild land. If you are prepared for this and take the challenge during good weather, it will be a day you will remember for a long time.
In rain, the path is treacherous and in poor visibility it is difficult to follow. Te Postman’s Path takes you from Blughasary to Achduart where it joins the single track road to Achiltibuie. It is a good day’s walking and so you may wish to stay overnight at journey’s end in Ullapool Youth Hostel, which has spectacular views and is close to the path.
THE ROUTE Te first section follows the meandering course of the River Canaird from the car park at Blughasary for about a mile and a half. Here it splits into two and the right hand path is taken, heading steeply uphill. Tis is the true
mountain section of the route and the path weaves its way for four miles along the coast crossing seven burns as it does so. For the last mile from Coulnacraig to Achduart, the path is much improved and takes you to the roadhead. Our Youth Hostel is a further mile along the single track road. Te Postman’s Path is waymarked with
wooden and stone markers and also cairns. Care is needed to follow the route.
POINTS OF INTEREST 01 Te footbridge across the River
Canaird: Tis river drains a vast
area of the Cromalt hills and here is in its last boisterous phase before reaching the
2012 SCOTTISH HOSTELLER 39
This path for
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