Lost village of Slaggan

This short walk over remote and empty moorland leads to the abandoned coastal village of Slaggan. The going is easy, making this and ideal route for those with a morning or afternoon to fill.

Set off through the gate at the end of the track and follow the unsurfaced road west as it rises gently above the tiny community of Achgarve, over to the left. It runs close to a small stream flowing out of Loch na h-Innse Gairbhe, a ribbon of water that is soon reached on the left.
The track skirts along the lochside before reaching its highest point. From here, the way descends equally as gently over heather moor towards a large body of water, Loch an t-Slagain, on the left.

Continue east and soon the track curves left round the northern end of the loch to reach the ruined hamlet of Slaggan, abandoned cottages sitting above Slaggan Bay. Some of the old walls and gables still stand, tribute to the people who once lived in this isolated spot in one of the most sparsely populated parts of Scotland.

The track ends here but a path continues down to the sandy beach at Slaggan Bay, a fine spot for a quiet picnic on the banks of the Minch.
For those who want to explore further, a vague path skirts north round the headland of Gob a'Gheodha. Alternatively, an ascent of the low peak Meall na Seana-chreig above the bay takes just a few minutes.

To finish the walk, retrace your steps to the start.

Distance 6 miles/10km.
Map OS Landranger sheet 19.
Start Track end two miles north of Laide on minor road to Mellon Udridgle. GR: NG 887940.
Parking Space to park by the roadside.
Grading Fairly easy and well graded low level walk across open moorland.