Aoineadh Mor

An interesting circular walk to explore the deserted township of Aoineadh Mor (pronounced Inniemore).  There are three walks (Mary’s Path, James’s path and the Township Path) that can be combined into a circular trail.   James and Mary’s path pass mainly through mixed pine plantations of spruce, pine and firs, and the historic loop passes through rough pasture and heathland.  However, there is also a nice section through Atlantic oak woodland with an understorey of mainly heather and bilberry (Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium spp and Erica spp) and deer fern (Blechnum spicant), with an abundance of mosses and lichens.  James’s path has some steep sections, but the other two trials are fairly easy going. 

You can either head out the low level Mary’s path or elect for the slightly more arduous James’s path; both lead onto the township path.  Return by the other path, or go there and back on Mary’s path for a gentler walk.

The paths are well signposted and easy to follow, although can be slightly muddy in places.  There are two viewpoints on route, a bench and two picnic tables, one on the township trail, just across the footbridge and the other on James’s path.  The township trail has two interpretation panels provide information on the features and extent of the township, the life of the villagers and their eviction as part of the Highland Clearances in the 19^th Century. 

One of the inhabitants, Mary Cameron left a written emotive account of the fate of some of the villagers. 

There are also a number of cycle trails throughout the forest.