Lairig Eilde Coffin Road
Start location: A82, Pass of Glencoe (NN 188 563)
End location: Dalness (NN 171 515)
Geographical area: Lochaber
Path Type: Coffin Road
Path distance: 5.5km
Accessibility info: Suitable for pedestrians
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Route DescriptionFrom the signposted start on the A82, the path passes through land owned by the NTS and rises to 500m, passing through rugged mountain scenery with huge rock screes on both sides. It descends steeply from the watershed towards Glen Etive, passing through a self-closing gate in a deer fence and thence down to the road. (Survey from Hallewell Guide to Fort William & District, Route 24)
OS Landranger 41 (Ben Nevis, Fort William & surrounding area)
Heritage Information
This is thought to be a coffin road entirely because there is a coffin cairn at the north end. It was thought that people may have walked this route carrying the deceased to be buried at the church at the west end of Glen Coe and if this is the case then it is a long and difficult walk to have taken carrying a heavy load.
In autumn 2020, BBC Scotland's Landward programme caught up with ScotWays in and around Kinlochleven to talk about its 175 year history of upholding public access, and in particular its work signposting routes. The guide posts for several rights of way make an appearance; as well as this Heritage Path look out for the Military Road to Fort William by the Lairig and the Devil's Staircase. If you missed the show when it aired in December, don't worry it'll be up on the iPlayer (6-10min in) for most of 2021.
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