DAY 90
SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER, 2014
ARDARROCH TO LOCHCARRON
14 MILES 6.5 HOURS
MORRIS, PHIL, KEITH, DEREK, ALEX AND BILL
TOTAL DISTANCE WALKED SO FAR 1264.5 MILES
It was our intention to start this three day walking trip at Torridon but again we were unable to secure accommodation so jumped south to start at Ardarroch. Our base for this trip was at the Lochcarron Hotel.
We left at 5 a.m. for the long journey north travelling on the A9 to Dalwhinnie then via Spean Bridge to Lochcarron. After enjoying a pre-ordered breakfast at our hotel we drove to the start of the days walk at Ardarroch. It had rained heavily on our journey up but it was lovely sunshine when we set off walking on the minor road from Ardarroch through Achintraid. The road ended just west of the village and we walked on a forest vehicle track for two miles along the hillside above Loch Kishorn and round the point beneath Meall na h-Airde. At the end of the forest track progress became much more difficult and slower as we tried to find our way through quite dense woodland. The steep hillside and many fallen trees added to the challenge and at times some scrambling was require to make progress. Several time we made our way to the loch side hoping in vain to find an easier way at the water’s edge. This one and a half mile woodland stretch took us two hours to complete. Making our way round the bay at Loch Reraig we joined the minor road to Ardaneaskan. The walk from here to Lochcarron was either at the water’s edge (where possible) or on the minor road passed the ruins of Strome castle. A refreshing pint or two was enjoyed on arrival back at our hotel.
Summary; The unexpected sunshine was a huge bonus on this walk. Had the rain we experienced on the journey up continued it would have made the forest part of this walk even more difficult. A really good walk with a very challenging part through the woodland and not for the unfit or fainthearted.
Highs; Great weather and some fantastic views.
Lows; None, but a hard slog through the forest.
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- Ready to set off from Ardarroch
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- Looking out over Loch Kishorn from Ardarroch
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- Derek on the beach at Ardarroch
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- Alex, Keith andPhil on the beach at Achintraid
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- On the road through Achintraid
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- Looking west across Loch Kishorn from Achintraid
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- The start of the forest track at Achintraid
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- Looking back from the hillside towards Ardarroch
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- A photocall on the hillside with the islands at the mouth of Loch Kishorn in the background
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- The’ going’ got tough in the woodland
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- Looking out from the waters edge beneath Meall na h-Airde
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- Alex looking for a way round at the waters edge
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- More tough going in the forest
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- The forest was quite dense at bits
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- Keith making his way round on the rocks to Reraig Bay
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- The rocky side of Reraig Bay
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- Looking up the valley at Reraig Bay
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- Looking back along the hillside from where we came
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- The minor road from Reraig
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- Looking west from Ardaneaskan
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- view west from pebble beach near Leacanashie
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- Making our way down the north side of Loch Carron
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- Lunch stop at waters edge near Strome castle
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- Old net drying poles at Loch side
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- on the road towards Lochcarron
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- Looking over to the ruins of Strome castle
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- The walk in to Lochcarron
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DAY 90 ROUTE MAP