DAY 51
TUESDAY 10TH MAY, 2011
TALMINE TO HOPE – 18 MILES 8 HOURS
MORRIS, DEREK, KEITH, AND GARRY
TOTAL DISTANCE WALKED SO FAR 771 MILES
One of our rooms in the guesthouse had a Jacuzzi bath which was put to good use last night revitalising aching bodies. After another wholesome breakfast we dropped the minibus at Hope and John drove us to Talmine before heading home and back to work. It was dull and overcast when we set off from the harbour making our way towards Portvasgo. Again the coastline was undulating and although there were paths at some parts we again relied on sheep tracks to find our way. It had started to rain and we quickly donned waterproofs. From Portvasgo we made our way passed Achininver beach to Lubinvullin. Due to the change in the weather and the heavily rutted heather topped peat bog ahead we decided to divert onto the visible vehicle track (which ran parallel with the sea half a mile inland) which we followed to north of Loch Na h-Uamhacht before making our way back to the sheep fence at the cliff tops. Walking between the fence and cliff edge we followed sheep tracks passed some spectacular promontories, rock stacks and rock faces at An Stac, Bodach Dearg, Whiten Head and Geodha a’ Bhathaich. This part of the walk was particularly undulating dropping from 700 feet at An Stac to sea level near Freisgill. Another climb took us back up 400 feet ending in a steep scramble near A’Creachan. From here we were happy to follow sheep tracks through the thick heather on the cliff tops below Cnoc Nan Gobhar. Continuing along the cliff tops we eventually made our way down to the east bank of the River Hope, walking passed the cottage at Inverhope and through the woods to the finish of the days walk at Hope. On arrival back at our guest house the skies had cleared and we sat in lovely sunshine in the garden and enjoyed a much needed beer.
Summary; After a somewhat bleak start the weather quickly improved as did the scenery which became more spectacular as the day went on. Very up and down with several gullies and one or two scrambles. Underfoot conditions varied, but were in the main good.
Highs; Again fantastic coastal scenery. Relaxing in the garden with a beer or two.
Lows; The weather at the start.
CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
-
- Derek, Garry, Morris and Keith ready to set off from Talmine
-
- Looking out across Talmine Pier to Rabbit Islands
-
- Looking back to Talmine from near Portvasgo
-
- Achininver Beach
-
- Looking back towards Talmine from the track we took towards Loch na H- Uamhachd
-
- Looking back from near Geodha Ruadh to Rabbit Islands and Eilean Nan Ron
-
- Making our way along the cliff tops near Rubha Thormaid
-
- Cleit an t- Seabhaig (Falcons Rock)
-
- Cliffs at Bodach Dearg
-
- Looking back east from near Whiten Head
-
- White quartz rock stacks near Whiten Head
-
- Derek, Keith and Garry near Mol Mhor at Whiten Head
-
- Looking south near Geodha A Bhrideion
-
- Looking west over Geodha a Bhathaich towards Durness
-
- Another natural arch near Geodha a Bhathaich
-
- Deep sea gully near Friesgill
-
- Quite a stiff climb near Geodha Raineach
-
- Looking ahead to the river Hope in the middle and Loch Eriboll to the right
-
- Looking ahead for a way beneath Cnoc nan Gobhar
-
- Looking back towards Whiten Head from beneath Cnoc nan Gobhar
-
- Derek on a sheep track round Cnoc nan Gobhar
-
- Looking ahead to river Hope and Rubh a Mhuilt
-
- Looking ahead to the finish of the days walk at Hope
ROUTE MAP – CLICK TO ENLARGE
DAY 51 ROUTE MAP