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Starts: 09:30
Sometimes known as the Tollie Path; it is a “Destitution road” of 8kms in length on a good but stoney path.
Poolewe to Slattadale on Loch Maree – our investigation of this route is part of the NOSAS “Heritage routes” project. The route is sometimes known as the Tollie Path; it is a “Destitution road” of 8kms in length on a good but stoney path with an ascent of at least 200m. Link; www.walkhighlands.co.uk/torridon/lochmaree.shtml
The section we will be walking is at the west end of Loch Maree. In 1760 a “military” road from Contin to Poolewe, was built by ?Caulfield along this same line, but it seems to have been poorly constructed and fell into disrepair pretty quickly. It is referred to in Thomas Pennant’s “Tour” of 1772. The road was not replaced until 1847 when funds were raised to relieve the hardships of local people suffering from the potato famine by giving them work – it was known as a “destitution road”(“Gairloch” - JH Dixon, 1886). In the 19th century Gairloch, 6 miles south of Poolewe, became more important as a centre and this road fell out of use. Many thanks to Anne MacI and local people for their info so far.
Meet at the Slattadale Car park GR NG 888722 at 9.30am From here we will combine cars and, leaving some to come back to, proceed to the bend in the road 2kms south of Poolewe GR NG 860790. (if it is more convenient for you to come from the north to this point please let me know). Keep in mind that the clocks go back the night before, so we will have an extra hour in bed! Come suitably shod and clothed for winter hillwalking and bring a picnic
Please let me know if you intend to come mm.marshall321@btinternet.com