Peanmeanach Walk

OS Map: 1:50,000 Landranger 40 Loch Shiel

Start Grid Reference: NM 742 836

Walk distance:  6.5 miles

Date walked: 27th May 2012

Time: 4.5 hours approximately with a long lunch

Route:  Taken from Walks - Mallaig and Ardnamurchan (publ. Hallewell - www.pocketwalks.com) available from Amazon.  

View Peanmeanach Walk in a larger map

At the end of May and the beginning of June, we spent a great week just outside Acharacle in a self catering lodge (www.mingarylodges.co.uk).  It was a great place for wildlife - Pine Martens in the garden - but also a great location for walking.  All the walks we did were taken from the same publication, this and the next few posts will describe some of them.


This walk was undertaken on a very hot day in May.  It is not very long but with the weather conditions, it  was more arduous than we thought it would be.  The walk gives magnificent views over the Sound of Arisaig, Loch Nan Uamh and the islands beyond.  Inland, there are views of and the walk goes by Loch Doir a' Ghearrian.  The destination of the walk is Peanmeanach a deserted settlement by the sea.

Railway Bridge

The path is crossed by one of the most beautiful train lines in the country - some say the world.Crossing it does not present any difficulty at all, if you are walking that is.


After a period of walking through woods, the walk opens out to reveal a wonderful vista.

View over Loch Nan Uamh

View over Loch Doir Ghearrain

Before reaching the abandoned settlement, the path goes by the edge and through another wood.  The approach to Peanmeanach is through a flat area of marsh grass.

Approach to Peanmeanach

At the coast, there are ruins of the old Peanmeanach settlement and a bothey, which can be used as accommodation.  It is also a great place for camping.

Peanmeanach Ruins.

Peanmeanach Coastline

Great place for camping

Although it was very hot, this was a very enjoyable walk.  I am not a fan of there and back walks, but to complete this one, I'm afraid you will have to retrace your steps back to the car.  However the hardship is not great when you have repeat the experience of these wonderful views.