The walk will be led by Carl Farmer, BSBI joint Vice-County Recorder for Argyll. Plantlife volunteer Dot Dahl will be hosting the walk.
The walk will start at 10:00hrs and will be along the former Ballachulish branch railway line, which is rich in wild flowers. We plan to walk as far as Appin School (NM936462) (approx 2 miles). This would cover the cycle track’s botanically richest areas, and would include the old Appin Station which is of both historical and botanical interest. This is about 1/2way along and is also close to the Castle Stalker View Cafe. There will also be a brief introduction to Plantlife’s Wildflowers Count survey. The walk should finish around 12:30 hours.
There is no charge for the walk, but donations to Plantlife’s work are always gratefully received.
Contact phone numbers: If you have any queries before the day or if you need to cancel, please phone (01786) 478509. If you have any special requirements please make these known to us in advance.
Meeting point: Meet at layby on A828 at NM929491 (see directions below).
Directions: From south take A828 from Connel (signposted Fort William) After about 12 miles there is a road signposted Port Appin to the left. Continue on the main road and after another mile or so there is the Castle Stalker Café to the left. Continue on the main road for one more mile until the road swings left to go along the coast. At this point there is a long layby on the left with a sign saying “Linnhe Marine”. Park here. Coming from the north this layby is about 12 miles south from the Ballachulish Bridge on the A828.
If there is insufficient space at the layby, we will move one or more cars to the nearby Castle Stalker View Café, where we have kindly been given permission to park. See http://www.castlestalkerview.co.uk/appin.html.
Walk details:
The walk is on more or less level ground, tarmac or gravel, very easy, though people have the option to explore vegetated areas to either side. Walk length is about 2 miles each way.
Local facilities:
Castle Stalker View Café is open from 9.30 a.m. till 5.30 p.m. and serves coffee, home baking and lunches.
Please bring with you
Participants take part in walks at their own risk. Please would you bring the following with you:
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Sunhat, sunblock (or high factor suncream) and insect repellent
- Outdoor clothing appropriate to the weather;
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Sturdy footwear e.g. walking boots;
- Something to drink and a snack if wanted;
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Optional: lens, binoculars, camera, notebook, identification guides
We look forward to seeing you!