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The Lone Shieling: A Scottish Touch in Nova Scotia

Discover a piece of Scotland in Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Highlands National Park. A tribute to Scottish heritage along the Cabot Trail.

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The Lone Shieling is a replica of a Scottish crofter's hut, nestled in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Built in 1942, it commemorates the area's Scottish heritage and offers a glimpse into the lives of early settlers. Surrounded by an old-growth hardwood forest, it's a peaceful and scenic stop along the Cabot Trail.

A brief summary to The Lone Shieling

Local tips

  • Visit during the fall for stunning views of the autumn foliage in the surrounding hardwood forest.
  • Combine your visit with a hike on one of the other trails in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
  • Take a moment to read the informative displays and learn about the history of the Scottish settlers in the area.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Lone Shieling is located directly off the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. From Pleasant Bay, travel south along the Cabot Trail. The site is well-marked with signage. Parking is available on-site. Be aware that cell service can be unreliable in the park.

  • Walking

    From the parking area, the Lone Shieling is accessed via a short, easy trail. The trail is approximately 0.6 km (0.4 miles) and mostly flat. It loops around the shieling and through a section of the surrounding forest. Allow approximately 15-20 minutes to walk the trail.

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Discover more about The Lone Shieling

The Lone Shieling, a charming stone structure in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, stands as a tribute to Nova Scotia's Scottish roots. Erected in 1942, this replica of a Scottish 'bothan' or shepherd's hut, evokes the spirit of the Highland Clearances and the subsequent emigration to Cape Breton Island. The shieling is located off the Cabot Trail near Pleasant Bay. The shieling's construction was inspired by Professor Donald S. MacIntosh, a Pleasant Bay native, who bequeathed land for a park with the wish that a cabin be built in the style of those on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The building is constructed from irregular field stone with a timber and thatch roof. The surrounding old-growth hardwood forest, one of the largest in the Maritimes, enhances the site's tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can explore the short Lone Shieling Trail, which loops around the structure and into the surrounding forest. Informative displays tell the story of the Scottish immigrants who shaped the region. The site offers a serene escape and a chance to connect with the area's cultural heritage.

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