[This walk was completed on the 8th July 2019 ]
This morning is bright and sunny, and I’m very optimistic as I cycle from Shiel Bridge along the edge of Loch Duich. Today I plan to complete the walk I failed to complete yesterday. Yes, today I’m determined to find the elusive path from Ardintoul along the Lochalsh Trail, and I’m going to find it by walking through from Totaig.
At the end of the public road, I park Scooty behind a convenient tree. Here, a track leads onwards to Totaig.
[This walk was completed on the 7th July 2019]
I turn my back on Ardintoul Point and follow the track around the edge of the bay. The track divides, and the branch running closest to the shore is cordoned off with red and white tape. I take this as the equivalent of a ‘no entry’ sign, and walk along the beach instead.
[This walk took place on the 7th July 2019]
I spent last night in a camp site at Shiel Bridge. This morning, I face a 12 mile ride over the Ratagan pass on my Scooty bike, a steep climb which just gets steeper and steeper. Eventually the incline defeats me – even with full electrical assistance – and I must get off and push the bike up the final 1/2 mile. Continue reading
What’s so special about the Kylerhea Ferry? It’s the last manually-operated turntable ferry in Scotland. Now, I don’t know anything about this as I sit above the ferry terminal, eating my snacks, and watching the cars drive on.
First, there’s the turntable part of the ferry. The car deck is on a platform that can turn separate from the hull, so while the hull of the ferry lies parallel to the pier, the ferry deck can be angled to make it easy for vehicles to drive on or off.
[This walk took place on the 6th July, 2019]
I try not to feel too angry about the pub being closed because of a wedding, and I continue to walk along the road through Glenelg, passing the village shop. A notice in the window catches my attention…
[This walk took place on the 6th July 2019]
After visiting Sandaig, I drive to the end of the Glenelg road, park my van, and unload my new companion. It’s a replacement for the horrible Monster bike. A new foldup bicycle – called Scooty.
[This walk took place on 6th July 2019]
I’m back in Scotland, and this time I’m travelling in my lovely Beast. The Monster bike has been left behind, and I’ve brought a new companion with me… more on that later.
[This walk was completed on the 19th June, 2019]
After another rainy night, I wait until the morning downpour eases before I set off in the car. About half way along the road to Glenelg, I spot a convenient layby and decide to park here. I’ll do today’s walk in two stages.
Near to my parking spot, a track leads off the road and heads down towards the shore along a forestry track. “Sandaig” says the path sign. Hmm. Sandaig? The name seems familiar for some reason.
[This walk took place on the 18th June, 2019]
Corran is a little hamlet on the banks of Loch Hourn, situated at the end of the road that runs down the coast of the Glenelg peninsula. The tracks among the cottages are unsurfaced and accessed by a narrow bridge, so visitors are encouraged to park just outside Corran, beside the visitor’s centre at the end of the public road.
[This walk was completed on the 17th June, 2019]
Last night I drove round to Corran, on the shore of Loch Hourn, where I’m staying in a cottage. This morning, I wake to rain falling in sheets from a menacing sky. Luckily, I’ve brought a good book to read and I make myself cosy on the sofa. Around 3pm, the rain eases to a dull drizzle. Come on – I mustn’t waste the whole day.
Grab my umbrella, and head out.
It’s a wet slog up Glen Arnisdale to reach the bridge and the point where I stopped yesterday’s walk. The sign reminds me I must cross at my own risk and strictly without a horse.
Click for further information
A close escape from cattle, and a lesson learnt.
I dropped the dogs’ leads – and ran for my life.
They all seemed very agitated and a few broke into a run.
