DAY 83
SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER, 2013
KILNINVER TO CUAN
12.5 MILES 7 HOURS
MORRIS AND GARRY
TOTAL DISTANCE WALKED SO FAR 1171.5 MILES
Our accommodation during this trip was at the Avoncraig B&B in Oban. It was excellent and we would recommend it to anyone. After a hearty breakfast we drove to Cuan on Seil Island where we left the car and caught a local bus back to Kilninver. We had decided to miss out the four miles from Kilmore to Kilninver as it would have been a walk on the main road. From Kilninver we made our way to Barrnacarry and the beach at the bay. The sun was out and it was a lovely day to be coast walking. From here we enjoyed a flat walk close to the sea on beach or sheep tracks before some severe hillocks below Beinn Mhor brought a few stiff climbs and scrambles over rocks. On reaching the long narrow Clachan Sound we could see Clachan Bridge ahead. From here to the bridge we had to walk in boggy woods which border the water forcing several detours round uncrossable marshes. After crossing the Clachan Bridge we stopped for a well deserved lunch at the Tigh-a-Truish (House of the Trousers) hotel.
Setting off again we took a path on the north side of the hotel which we followed towards the anchorage before heading south on a dirt track road which joined the access road to Ardencaple House. We had intended making our way to the high point above Ardencaple House but the sound of shooting in the area required a change of plan and we walked along the south side of the hill emerging on the road at Dunmor House. From here we walked the short distance on the road to the village of Ellenabeich where we enjoyed a refreshing pint in the Oyster brewery bar. We learned from locals that the world stone skiffing championships were being held on the island of Easdale the following day. Retracing part of our route we left the road at the bay at Port a Mhuilinn and followed the sea edge on well walked good tracks to Cuan and the end of the days walk.
Summary; A very enjoyable walk made even better by the lovely weather and a hotel stop for lunch. Mainly good underfoot conditions except the marshy part near the Clachan bridge.
Highs; Some great views particularly near Easdale. Great weather
Lows; None really.
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- Cuan Jetty
- Morris and Garry near Barrnacarry Bay
- Barrnacarry Bay
- Garry at Barrnacarry beach with Minard Point across the bay
- From Barrnacarry we had some easy walking
- The lovely sunshire brought the butterflies out
- A few hillocks to scramble over
- Garry with Eilean Duin in the background
- The rugged coastline and our first glimpse of Clachan Bridge
- Looking up Clachan Sound to the bridge
- Getting nearer Clachan Bridge
- Looking over to Seil Island side of the bridge
- Looking south from the Clachan Bridge
- Looking over to the Tigh-a-Truish Hotel
- Morris and Garry enjoying lunch and a pint at Tigh-a-Truish hotel
- Looking towards Ardfad from near the anchorage
- Looking across to the anchorage from near Loch Caithlim
- Looking back north over Ardfad
- A heron feeding in Ardfad Bay
- Looking ahead to Dunmor
- Looking out south from the decking at the OysterBar in Ellenabeich
- The imposing Dun Mor behind Ellenabeich
- Garry at Port a Mhuillinn with Ellenabeich and Easdale across the bay
- Another view back to Easdale
- Another view back towards Easdale
- Yet another great view back to Easdale
- Morris near Hendersons rock with Easdale in the background
- Looking across to Luing from near Cuan
- Cooling our feet in the ice cold water at Cuan Jetty
ROUTE MAP – CLICK TO ENLARGE