Ariundle woods and lead mines

We headed over to Strontian for a 3 day walking and cycling break but sods law the weather forecast was really poor, the reality was even worse, and the 3 day Plan A has already been scrapped. The forecast was so bad that I did not even take my bike.

Never mind, an internet search for low level walks threw up the lead mine trail which included the Ariundle woods. It is also the approach track for the Corbett Sgurr Dhomhnuill which I want to climb but not in these conditions.
The walk normally begins at the nature reserve car park but as we were staying at the Strontian hotel we walked from there after a very good breakfast.
As we exited the hotel door the rain arrived so we immediately sat on the bench outside the hotel and waterproof leggings on (more of that later).
Various options but we walked the road taking in the interesting array of houses and crofts, a few stalls outside some with signs for fresh eggs, jams etc which can be bought on the way back, honesty boxes. When we looked in one the two egg boxes were empty, had someone took the eggs and left the boxes?

There is a good track through the woods which today was boggy at times but considering the rain we have had no surprise there.
The woods are a fine example of ancient coastal Atlantic woodland. As soon as you are in the woods you get the feeling of authenticity, this is how a traditional mixed woodland should be. Massive oak trees dominate but plenty of smaller birch and larch as well as many others. Not planted in uniform lines so a natural environment. 

In the damp atmosphere deep moss clings to trees and boulders, habitat for millions of bugs and insects but there are relatively few birds around to take advantage of this feast. Low level birds were few and far between, wrens, thrushes and blackbirds the ones we spotted. If you are into your flora & fauna this is a place for you, the diversity is huge. I would love to walk a wood like this with an expert eye. We must miss so much, still that's for another life. 
There are a few examples of these solid boulder dividing lines. Not sure if these are legacies of the industrial past or land boundaries. Either way they would have taken a lot of manual labour toll and strife building these on slopes angled as much as these.
The track continually rises but at an easy steady gradient, the missus is happy. Despite the inclement weather outside, under the trees it is humid. There are a few options to branch off and head down to the river and meet the path below but from what we can see it looks pretty damp and exposed so we will leave that for better weather. At least under the tree canopy the constant rain does not penetrate so much.

River Strontian

As we approach the top end of the woods there are now occasional gaps in the trees giving us glimpses of the hills and glen, views which would be even better on a blue sky day.

Looking down I spot some small very dark scat on the track. It is fresh as some flies are still interested. It looks like there are some berries in the mix. Not sure what but pine martin must be a possibility. This is also a habitat of genuine wildcats. I suppose stoat/weasel are other options.

Some signs that the seasons are already changing, some of the ferns are turning orange-brown and rowan trees with their red berries which are prominent and normally only appear at the end of summer, not that we have had one this year.

Just before you break out into the open landscape you have to cross a wooden bridge that has clearly seen better days. Rotten wooden planks and gaps let you see down into the gorge below without looking over the barriers. Not a long way down but enough to do damage to a fragile human body.

The views are superb, even on this bleak day. The Corbett and its impressive outlying ridges, one day I will be climbing you! Down in the glen cattle are munching happily away, some traditional Highlanders and mostly black Aberdeen Angus I presume. The river is running fast and full and again no clear path can be seen, very wet and hard going.

After about a mile we reach the lead mine ruins. We potter about but did not find the lead mine entrance indicated on the sign board, the rain and wind made hanging about a disincentive so in fairness we did not look too hard.

Lead mines

We returned by the same route and were glad to reach the sanctuary of the hotel, now when does the bar open? As it was still warm I had taken my lighter golf leggings which were not up to these conditions so damp trousers. My new Jack Wolfskin jacket had let in water through the top zip so another item to be returned. Why are so many items of outdoor clothing not fit for purpose?
Still a wet, windy but an enjoyable tramp exploring a new setting and its views.
The Ariundle centre has home baking on offer so after a change guess where we are going.
Time: 4.08
Distance: 9.62 (15.48km)
Ascent: 1206 (368m)