Scottish

Towns

Ben Lawers Nature Trail

Length: 1 mile Height climbed: Negligible Grade: short Parking: National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre Toilet facilities: National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre Starting from the visitor centre car park, follow the path along the boardwalk and climb over the big stile. You will notice that the walk is fenced in, this is to stop animals wandering in and eating the vegetation. Once across, bear right and take the path past the ruin of the sheiling. The sheiling was once a small hut used by herdsmen as they moved their cattle along the 'sheiling track'. Next, over the small footbridge and on, up the side of the burn. Further on cross the stone slab bridge, also called a "clapper" bridge, pass the gorge and then recross the burn at the ford (also the half mile mark). As you pass the gorge you will notice a wide variety of young plants, they were planted there to counter the effect of deforestation and over grazing by the sheep. Climbing the path up the far bank, the view to the north will come into sight if the weather is good. You may be able to see some of the high tops. At the junction with the mountain path turn left and follow the old sheiling path down the west side of the burn back to the car park.

© Scottish Towns Last updated February 2000