Larachmhor Garden, Arisaig 060512

Another stunning day in Paradise!

Friends had told us about Larachmhor Garden at Easter so after yesterday's walk we decided to start the day with a visit to Larachmhor Garden.

We have been coming to Arisaig for a few years and have never visited the garden so we did not know what to expect.

The entrance to Larachmhor Garden is just before the start of Arisaig, on the Fort William side on the left hand side of the road as you approach from Fort William.

Larachmhor Garden is not well signed so keep your eyes open for the only sign proclaiming it's existence:

The humour in the sign is thanks to the Head Gardener.

The track which is in good condition and is suitable for all ages, takes you down into a wonderfully sheltered wee glen that is a natural wood with lots of beech and silver birch amongst others which I cannot name!

As you descend down the track, the ruin of what was to have been a very fine house for a previous owner stands.

Sadly the house was never finished because the architect died and the garden owner who had commissioned the house died a year later.  

I am not a plant man so I have no idea what these are, except stunning

Some of the plant have been labelled by volunteers from The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh who come up most weekends to look after the garden.

The garden has been in development for the last 100 years or so and some of the specimens are spectacular as a result.

As you can see, we visited on a stunning day and after a dry spell so the ground was very pleasant to walk on but if it's raining or if you visit after a spell of wet weather (highly possible in Scotland) then wellies are a must.

Entrance is free and the garden is suitable for children and prams but remember that it's an uphill push on the way out.

If you are a plant lover, a photographer, naturalist or tourist then the Larachmhor Garden, Arisaig is an absolute must for a visit!

  

A Great Walk Just South of Mallaig

Having been coming up to the Arisaig and Mallaig for a few years now, we decided to explore the walk that is just south of Mallaig on the old road.

This walk is part of the Highland Access Network and is a very easy and mostly level walk up to the loch. It's narrow but two people can walk side by side.

The ground either side of the path is boggy and I would suggest that you stick to the path. If you are planing to take dogs, best to keep them on the lead as the sheep roam here most of the year.

It's about a kilometre from the car park to the loch which took us about 20 mins at a reasonable pace.

The loch is stunning and nestles at the bottom of some large hills making it quite sheltered. The Highland Access Network thoughtfully put a picnic table beside the loch which makes it a great spot for a family outing.

There is a wee beach just beside the table. The beach slopes gently making it ideal for a paddle but the water even on a hot day is freezing!

After the loch, the walk continues around the loch but the nice made up path stops and you walk over the moor.  

The general direction is upwards and becomes more of a ramble rather than a stroll. It was a beautiful day and when we did the walk but in places is is boggy and I would imagine that in wet conditions or after heavy rain, it would become VERY boggy.

Onwards and upwards to reveal a stunning view of Loch-Nostarie looking south towards Arisaig

It's only when you get the the top of the next hill ridge that you can really appreciate the size and the magnificence of the scenery surrounding Loch-Nostarie.

This now ramble comes to junction where you can take the Circular Walk to Mallaig or turn right and head towards Loch Eiroagoraidh

Alas we did not have time to go further but I'd highly recommend this for the walk, the scenery, the solitude and best of all it's FREE

Horseshoe Beach 050512

Took the dogs for a walk and swim on a glorious day but with a very chilly North wind.

Sea is very clear and you can just see Skye (Sleat) and the Cuillins in the distance.

Looking the other direction towards Eigg

Harvey Dog thinking about a swim or crab hunting :)

A very windy view towards Eigg from Horseshoe Beach