DAY 81
SATURDAY 11 MAY, 2013
LOWER DIABAIG TO TORRIDON – 10 MILES 7 HOURS
MORRIS, DEREK, KEITH, BILL, GEORGE MAC, ALEX, IAN, ALAN J, ALAN T, JAMES, COLIN, STEWART AND PAUL
TOTAL DISTANCE WALKED SO FAR 1147 MILES
While enjoying our end of walk ‘pint’ in the Melvaig Inn on Wednesday we had viewed their wonderful sea food menu and had booked a meal for us all last night. The food was truly amazing and highly recommended by us all.
After breakfast we had the long drive back to Lower Diabaig to the start of today’s walk. The drive on the single track mountain road was quite an experience. We set off from the pier in nice sunshine making our way behind the last house on the south end of the village where we picked up the path shown on the O.S. map. We immediately faced a four hundred foot climb parts of which were testing almost vertical scrambles. The fabulous views of Diabaig Bay and beyond made it all worthwhile. On reaching the high point we followed a path to Araid and then on passed Port Laire to the point at Rubha na h-Airde Glaise. From here we found another path to follow round the hillside to Alligin Shuas then we walked near the sea edge to Inveralligin. Crossing the river we followed the minor road to Rechullin then a sea edge path through the grounds of Torridon House out onto the unclassified road. A short road walk took us to the finish of the day and the weeks walking at Torridon. We all enjoyed a refreshing ‘pint’ and a plate of soup in the nearby Torridon Inn before the long journey back to Gairloch.
Summary; A very challenging start to a really good days walking. A mix of underfoot conditions but nothing too hazardous.
Highs; Although strenuous the severe uphill start was fun and the views amazing.
Lows; None really, the short road walk wasn’t too bad.
Accommodation; Our accommodation for the whole of this trip was at the Millcroft Hotel in Gairloch. We had two apartments, each with kitchen and sitting room, for the whole week and additional hotel rooms for the group who arrived on the Thursday. This suited us fine as we could gather in one of the apartments for snacks, drinks etc. The food in the hotel was good and the staff all very helpful. All in all very good value for money.
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- All ready to go on the last of seven days….and the sun is shining
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- The toughest start to any day so far
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- We gained height rapidly. The view back down to Lower Diabaig
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- Some parts were almost vertical and required hands on scrambling
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- The views got better and better…..Looking over Rubha na h-Airde
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- Not so steep now
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- Alex with Loch Diabaig in the background
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- Looking across to Rubha na h-Airde
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- Making our way down the side of Loch a’ Bhealaich Mhoir. Loch Torridon visible in the distance
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- Torridon is visible at the end of the valley
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- Time for a short break near Araid
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- James contemplating doing some laundry? Or could this be his wifes surprise christmas present?
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- Near Lochan Dubh
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- At the sea edge near Rubha na h-Airde Glaise
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- View down Loch Torridon as we climbed the hillside above Rubha na h-Airde Glaise
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- Looking across to the Shieldaig Peninsula from the hill side path towards Alligin Shuas
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- Looking back up Loch Torridon towards Rechullin and Inveralligin
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- On the path from Rechullin to Torridon House
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- Heading towards a very dreich Torridon
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- Alan T, George Mac, Derek and Colin happy to be almost finished near Torridon House
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- The lovely walk through the grounds of Torridon House
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- Paul and Alex looking happy at the finish
ROUTE MAP – CLICK TO ENLARGE
DAY 81 ROUTE MAP