Inverfarigaig South Loch Ness
Wild, beautiful and slightly mysterious
The following article was written by Graeme Ambrose, Evergreen B&B
Inverfarigaig is situated midway down Loch Ness on the south side. Nestling under the brooding crags of Dun Dearduil, the village is no more than a scattering of homes deep amongst the woods. Yet, in many respects Inverfarigaig represents the very essence of the south side of the loch - wild, beautiful and slightly mysterious. It is a place to relax and enjoy, to be savoured and returned to again and again..
History
Take away the thin veneer of forests planted by the Forestry Commission in recent times, and you'll uncover a community rich in recent and ancient history. Atop Dun Dearduil are the remains of a timber-laced hill-fort with vitrified stonework dating back to the Bronze Age. The site of this fort is the most spectacular in the Highlands. It's name is also steeped in legend associated with Celtic heroine Deirdre and tales of forbidden love and deep sorrow...
In more recent times General Wade built one of his many military roads through the area. Scratch beneath the surface today and you'll find Inverfarigaig Bridge. Built on the command of General Wade in 1732 by the best Dunkeld masons at a cost of £150 with a forty foot arch, the bridge is still largely intact although sadly neglected. Perhaps unique, 1/2 mile beyond Inverfarigaig, is the Black Rock. Here General Wade blasted his road through '2000 yards of solid rock'. An immense achievement at the time, a small section has survived to this day. Walk it and step back to a time when, truly, these were wild lands.
Wildlife/Flora
The area around Inverfarigaig is rich in both wildlife and flora, all of which can be explored using the excellent network of Forest Enterprise walks that cover the area. In April, wild yellow primroses burst forth and announce the coming of Spring. Thereafter, bluebells, foxgloves, the beautiful insectivorous Drosera (sundew) and Pinguicula (Common Butterwort) and a host of other wild flowers and plants carpet the forest floor. Moving through the shadows in the forest, roe and sika deer are readily seen. The largest population of Red Squirrels in Scotland reside here. For the lucky visitor, pinemarten, fox, wildcat and badgers can be glimpsed. Scan the skies for Buzzards, Red Kites, Peregrines, Ospreys and many more exciting species of birds.
Walks
Many forest areas have woodland walks but few have the diversity of woodland that characterises the Farigaig Forest walks, the sense of wild beauty and, of course, occasional stunning views of Loch Ness.
Typical of these walks, is that which meanders it's way from Inverfarigaig across to Foyers (2 miles, allow 1hr 30m ). Moving up through clumps of birch and aspen to the first of several Loch Ness viewpoints, the walk is a succession of panoramic views amidst natural splendour second to none. If it's peace you crave, 'far from the madding crowd', then these are the walks for you.
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