6


5


As you leave the woodlands, look out for a stone dyke. This was built to control grazing animals when these woodlands were valued and protected to supply charcoal to the Bonawe iron furnace. You may have noticed the multiple stems of trees where people coppiced them to make charcoal for smelting until the late 19th century. Evidence of charcoal burning platforms can still be found in Ariundle oakwood. Continue across the river to enjoy a walk through more open ground following the river downstream.


7


6


Look carefully as you continue along the riverside and you may catch sight of a dipper bobbing on midstream rocks. But mind your feet – pine martens often leave twisted black droppings on the path! Stop a moment to take in the views back up the glen before re- crossing the river and making your way back to the car park.


6


This stone dyke once stopped grazing cattle from entering the woods, as the trees were highly valued as a source of charcoal for the iron smelting industry.


7


Ariundle is one of over 50 national nature reserves in Scotland. Find out more at www.nnr- scotland.org.uk.


40


Scotland is the last stronghold of the pine marten in the UK. Pine martens favour well-wooded areas where they can nest in hollow trees and old animal homes.


8


The Ariundle trail leads you through the oakwood and then out onto more open ground alongside the Strontian River.


The Nature of Scotland


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68