DAY 104
WEDNESDAY 21OCTOBER, 2015
CRAIGNISH CASTLE TO KINTRAW
8.5 MILES 3 HOURS
MORRIS, PHIL AND BILL
DISTANCE WALKED SO FAR 1431 MILES
After two tiring days walking an early night in bed was welcomed. It was raining quite heavily when we set off back to Craignish Castle in the morning after breakfast. Well wrapped up in our waterproofs we set off from the castle walking on the minor B8002 road towards Craignish Point. The road ended after a mile at a car park from where we picked up one of several well walked muddy paths near the sea. It continued to rain heavily as we made our way passed Port Nan Athlaich and on to the hillock above Craignish Point. Turning east we headed towards Rubh an Lionaidh and then to the ‘trig’ point at Druim Beithe. From here we walked to the bay at Port an Lionaidh and followed the sea edge to Am Priosan. At parts of this section our only option was to walk on wet slippery rocks or narrow grass verges close to the sea and our walking poles certainly proved their worth. Unfortunately the weather had closed in spoiling what would have been interesting views across Loch Craignish to where we had walked yesterday. We were able to continue at the sea edge to the Chapel at Kirkton where we rejoined the B8002 road. For the last four and a half miles from Kirkton to Kintraw the B8002 runs very close to the lochside but there are parts where it is possible to escape the tarmac and walk on grass.
The road runs through Ardfern where opposite the hotel there is a lovely little tearoom where you can enjoy homemade soup and home baking.
Summary; This was a much shorter and certainly much easier walk than on the previous two days, although we did get soaked. On a dry day the tracks from the car park to Craignish Point would make easy walking. Some parts from there to Kirkton were a bit more testing although would not have been too difficult on a dry day.
Highs; None really. The heavy rain, muddy condition and unspectacular coast line meant for once we were quite happy to walk on roads to finish the walk.
Lows; The weather which meant we could not see much and we got soaked.
Accommodation;
Our accommodation for the two nights on this trip was at the Cuilfail Hotel in Kilmelford. We each had our own double room which cost £60 per night bed and breakfast. The rooms we clean and comfortable but like the rest of the hotel a bit ‘tired’ and dull. The baths we wonderful at the end of a hard days walk and hot water was always plentiful. Staff and owners were very friendly and bar meals and breakfast were good. The main bar was cosy with a log burner. We enjoyed our stay.
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- Looking back along Loch Beag to Craignish Castle in the trees
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- Looking south to the mouth of Loch Beag from the B8002 road
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- Phil and Morris at the sea edge near Aird.
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- The scary but amusing sign at the car park at the end of the B8002 road
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- Phil on one of the tracks we followed to Craignish Point.
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- The very narrow slippery path along the rocks near Am Priosan.
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- Our route along the sea edge at Bagh na. Cille
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- Trig Point at Druim Beithe
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- Morris wet but cheerful as we head for Rubh an Lionaidh.
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- Looking east from Craignish Point to Rubh an Lioaidh.
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- We could not see much at Craignish Point
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- Visibility was poor in the rain as we neared Craignish Point.
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- On another muddy track towards Craignish Point.
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- Looking west from near Port nan Athlaich to Jura shrouded in mist and rain.
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- Looking north along the coast towards Kirkton
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- Derelict cottages at Kirkton.
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- Looking north along the coast from Kirkton.
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- The old chapel at Kirton.
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- The bay at Bagh Dun Mhuilig.
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- The B8002 runs beside the sea.
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- A wreck in the water beside the B8002 near Duine.
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- A bit where it was possible to walk beside the sea.
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DAY 104 ROUTE MAP