A pleasant ramble through oak and birch woodland, following the River Leven to the First World War Prisoner of War Camp. Afterwards, there is an opportunity to view the POW centenary exhibition.

Before leaving the festival hub, Dramfish will present a twenty-minute performance specially created for the centenary commemoration of the opening of the POW camp. It’s a funny and factual piece, tinged with the sadness of war.

Taking the historic Ciaran Path out of the village, we will be following in the footsteps of cattle drovers who came this way to join the old drove road between Spean Bridge and the Kingshouse Inn. As we step over burns and pass waterfalls we can reflect on what life must have been like for those prisoners of war as they headed to their internment camp.

Having crossed the footbridge above the Allt na h-Eilde the first remnants of the camp will come into view amongst the trees. After this, the footpath enters the main clearing where the camp was located. Some of the concrete foundations for the wooden huts remain. Spend some time exploring, with a copy of the camp plan, to see how extensive the site was.

Heading back to the festival hub, take a look around the centenary exhibition, which explains what life was like for prisoners at this camp and a sister camp for conscientious objectors at Caolnascon, on the banks of Loch Leven. The exhibition includes scale models of the camp and two specially commissioned pieces of artwork. One of the team, who put the exhibition together, will be on hand to answer questions.

Walk details

A good path for the whole route, with burns that can be easily stepped over, although the rocks can be slippy! The POW camp site itself is very boggy in places, so if you wish to explore make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear. The site is also a good place for midges and ticks, so you are recommended to put on insect repellent before heading off.

Bring your own snacks and drinks.

Distance: 4.5km

Grading: Moderate walking on uneven paths