The Leitir Easaidh All Abilities Path is approximately 6 miles east of Lochinver, Assynt. Developed in 2005 by the Little Assynt Estate the All Abilities path was developed for everyone including wheelchairs and prams. The path allows all visitors to enjoy the splendour of the Assynt landscape from a safe, smooth, livestock free pathway. Whilst on holiday in the area Melanie visited with her husband and dogs. She is very happy to report that it really is a great path and definitely for All Abilities.
Location of Leitir Easaidh All Abilities Path
The car park for Leitir Easaidh is on the side of the A837 Ullapool – Lochinver road at the western end of Loch Assynt. Approximately 6 miles east of Lochinver. The car park is a rough gravel surface just off the road. No parking spaces are marked out so simply park sensibly. There is an information board at the start of the walk showing wildlife you may see and a map of the route. In none Covid times there are leaflets here for you to take and use as you go around.
The walk itself
Firstly the entirety of the path is a wide, compacted shale surface with no lumps and bumps. As it has been designed with wheelchairs in mind it couldn’t be a better natural looking surface. Secondly there are extras touches along the route to make your visit even better. After a short distance you get to a high deer fence with a gate. It is a simple gate mechanism whereby the gate swings easily in either direction. This means if you are on your own you will still be able to operate the gate with ease. Make sure the gate closes behind you as this gate keeps livestock out of the area. Now you are on the Leitir Easaidh path network.
The Leitir Easaidh walk is approximately 2.5km or 1.5 miles. If you are more able you can continue onto the Loch an t-Sabhail track which extends the walk to 4.5km or 2.8 miles. This path is not suitable for wheelchairs, there is a sign to indicate this on the path.
Leitir Easaidh facilities
First up you will see a straw roofed hut on your right with a wind turbine on top by the waters edge. This is the first of two composting toilets which you are free to use. Further down the slope is a jetty where fishermen launch boats from. Here you will also find a small heather roofed shelter. Perfect for the inclement Scottish weather, or if you simply want a rest. The view from here across the lochan to the Quinag mountain range is out of this world.
Further along the walk is another lochan with another composting toilet, jetty and shelter. You will never be caught short at Leitir Easaidh! If you wish to fish here permits are available from the Little Assynt Estate. I believe they have a specially adapted boat for disabled anglers too.
Wandering along the All Abilities Path
From the first jetty simply follow your nose along the track to the next point of interest. Maybe you will come across the second jetty next or like Melanie did you might turn left to the viewpoint. It is a steady incline to the viewpoint which is relatively easy. Just near the very top is a steeper rougher 1-2 metre section. A self propelled wheelchair may need a little bit of help here. The view here is 360° over Assynt. You can see the Quinag range seen earlier from the lochan edge. In the opposite direction you can just see the summit of the towering bulk of Suilven,
As you descend from the viewpoint you will see the path off to the left with the No Wheelchair sign. This is the linking path to the Loch an t-Sabhail loop. Take your time here and listen for bird song, the trees are singing. Similarly keep your eyes open too. There are Golden Eagles in this area, as well as Black Throated Divers with their haunting calls. In addition to all the bird life Otters have been seen in the lochans and water voles in the gullies.
On the path back down from the view point take the turning on the left after the linking path. This route takes you to the second lochan with a toilet, shelter and jetty. Take another rest here if you wish. However you can rest all along the route as there are huge flat boulders in groups of 3 every few metres to act as seats.
Take your time, explore, enjoy the scenery and the wildlife. It is a very well thought out area and an asset to the local community. It is the ideal place to have a picnic set amongst a beautiful landscape. And it goes to show that even when on holiday Skye For All are never off duty!
