DAY 73
SATURDAY 6 APRIL, 2013
DUNDONNELL TO SCORAIG – 15 MILES 8 HOURS
MORRIS, DEREK, KEITH, BILL AND PHIL
TOTAL DISTANCE WALKED SO FAR 1047.5 MILES
Our accommodation in the Dundonnell Hotel was very comfortable, the staff excellent and the food very good. After a good night’s sleep and a very hearty breakfast our vehicle was dropped at the Jetty at Badluarach where we would finish today. When we set off from Eilean Darach the lovely weather of the previous day had gone and rain was threatening. A minor road can be followed all the way to Badrallach but we left the road at the end of the copse of pine trees and followed a vague path nearer the sea to Kildonan then walked at the sea edge to the camp site where we rejoined the road. The road ends at Badrallach and a well defined path takes you all the way up the south side of the Scoraig peninsula to Rireavach. Just as we started on the path the rain came on and we quickly donned waterproofs. The path hugs the cliffs close to the sea and at parts is very narrow making it quite challenging. Although some aspects of life on Scoraig give the impression time has stood still the wind turbines serving the houses dispel these thoughts. On reaching Rireavach the path becomes a vehicle track. We walked on into the hamlet of Scoraig stopping to view the old lighthouse which was relocated from Cailleach Head and has been turned into a museum. The weather had improved and we decided to walk out to Cailleach Head before crossing back over on the ferry. We were quite bemused by the number of very old vehicles particularly tractors which are obviously still in daily use. As previously arranged we met Bill Burstall the local ferryman (and his two dogs) at the jetty and before taking us over to Badluarach he very kindly made a detour round to Cailleach Head so we could view the lighthouse from the sea. A fine end to a different days walking.
Summary; Very glad we did not bypass the Scoraig Peninsula as it is a very interesting walk with a wonderful cliff path with great views.
Highs; The cliff path (although won’t be enjoyed by all). Seeing a community that for a great part thrives on its isolation. The old vehicles and of course the ferry trip. Thanks Bill.
Lows; Just a drop of rain.
CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
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- Morris, Derek and Keith at the edge of the pine forest above Eilean Darach
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- Looking back across to the Dundonnell hotel
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- Making our way towards Kildonan
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- Derek and Keith with the Dundonnell hotel and An Teallach in the background
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- Looking west along Little Loch Broom from near Kildonan
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- Walking down to the lochside at Kildonan
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- Making our way along the loch side
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- Looking back east along Little Loch Broom from Badrallach
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- The dirt track road from Badrallach
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- The road ends and the path to Scoraig starts
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- The narrow path snaking it’s way ahead
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- The path was narrow, rough and undulating at parts
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- A stop for a tea break near Creag a Chadha
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- Looking west to the mouth of Little Loch Broom from near Creag a Chadha
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- The much easier path at Rireavach
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- Inquisitive calfs
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- Looking back east from near Rireavach
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- The old lighthouse, now a museum in Scoraig. It used to be at Cailleach Head
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- Horses on the beach near Cailleach Head
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- Looking north to Cailleach Head
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- Making our way back to Scoraig
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- Could this be an Eco house near Scoraig?
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- How old is this one?
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- This one looks even older
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- This one looks newer
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- At the pier in Scoraig waiting to cross
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- Scoraig ferry approaching the pier
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- All aboard
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- It was a bit bumpy with some spray
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- Bill the ferryman very kindly took us out to view Cailleach Head from the sea
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- Bill the very helpful Scoraig Ferryman
ROUTE MAP – CLICK TO ENLARGE
DAY 73 ROUTE MAP