We left the Torridon Inn at around 9.30 and drove the five or so miles West to Shieldaig. We had awoken to another promising day and decided that this coastal walk would finish off our break nicely - besides, we had never been to Shieldaig before.
We parked at the waterfront overlooking Shieldaig Island, a mound of trees and a haven for wildlife apparently. We walked up the road to the small Primary School and onwards along a stony and muddy path.
We passed quite a few ruined crofts which were right on the stony beaches - indicating a hard existence for fishing families in years gone by.
We reached Loch Torridon with views of the Inveralligin
and the Diabaig peninsula. There was a small house nestled in the rocks here - home to a fisherman we thought.
This was a circular route and we carried on around the rocky tops and back to the village - 3 miles.
We were impressed by the village - it looked good in the autumn sunshine. We stopped for coffee and started for home at around 12. Realising we weren't too far from home we decided we would definitely be making return journeys to this part of the Highlands - there are many more walks to do and we can't wait!
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Monday, 15 October 2012
Triple Buttress of Coire Mhic Fhearchair
After our first night at the Torridon Inn we drove the few miles to park at the foot of Liathach. This was to be our longest walk at just under 9 miles and we were really looking forward to this as it promised wonderful views of the Beinn Eighe and Liathach ridges.
Again, this was a well constructed stalkers path and the ascent was reasonably easy going. The views of the imposing Beinn Eidge were dazzling, particularly as the first snow of the year had reached the mountain tops overnight. As we walked on we heard the eerie bellowing of the stag and the sounds echoed through the valley as we continued on to Coire Mhic Fhearchair (540m) - labelled as one of the most finest corries in Scotland. Here we took in the view of Baosbheinn (the Wizard's Mountain), Beinn an Eoin and Beinn a Chearchaill as they stood sentinel over the flat and empty moors and bogs.
The weather was stunningly clear and warm and we were the only walkers which made the walk even more peaceful and enjoyable. Apart from the sounds of the stag, we were surprised to see no wildlife. Tried as we might we couldn't spot the stag.
On the approach to Loch Coire Mhic Fhearchair we passed two crystal clear waterfalls. Up through the rocky path we caught our first glimpse of the Triple Buttress. We didn't hang about too long as it was reasonably windy and cold. We turned back to walk the same route back and marvel at the views that we had our backs turned on when we started off. On the way back we met a few other walkers and it was clear to see why this walk was a popular one.
Again, this was a well constructed stalkers path and the ascent was reasonably easy going. The views of the imposing Beinn Eidge were dazzling, particularly as the first snow of the year had reached the mountain tops overnight. As we walked on we heard the eerie bellowing of the stag and the sounds echoed through the valley as we continued on to Coire Mhic Fhearchair (540m) - labelled as one of the most finest corries in Scotland. Here we took in the view of Baosbheinn (the Wizard's Mountain), Beinn an Eoin and Beinn a Chearchaill as they stood sentinel over the flat and empty moors and bogs.
The weather was stunningly clear and warm and we were the only walkers which made the walk even more peaceful and enjoyable. Apart from the sounds of the stag, we were surprised to see no wildlife. Tried as we might we couldn't spot the stag.
On the approach to Loch Coire Mhic Fhearchair we passed two crystal clear waterfalls. Up through the rocky path we caught our first glimpse of the Triple Buttress. We didn't hang about too long as it was reasonably windy and cold. We turned back to walk the same route back and marvel at the views that we had our backs turned on when we started off. On the way back we met a few other walkers and it was clear to see why this walk was a popular one.
Sunday, 14 October 2012
Meall a'Ghiubhais, Loch Maree
The forecast for our three day trip to Torridon was promising and we left home early to start the first of our planned walks. We parked at the Coille na Glas Leitre Trails car park on the banks of Loch Maree and started our ascent at just before 10am. The climb was a steady one up a rocky path and we kept looking back at ourselves to marvel at the views of Loch Maree and to Slioch on the other side of the Loch.
It was warm and sunny (and no midges at this time of year!) and we were very impressed with the effort that had been put in by the estate management who built the path. The path was well marked with plenty of opportunities to sit and take in the view - which we happily did on various occasions.
As we reached the top of our climb and to Lunar Loch, the weather changed dramatically and the heavens opened. We donned our waterproofs and decided not to make the final ascent up Meall a'Ghiubhais (we were happy to make a return journey at another time). Besides, we had another two days of walking ahead of us.
We started to make our descent - not as steep as the climb up - and again took in the views as the weather cleared. We reached the car park at around 12.20 and stopped for lunch at a picnic bench on the loch.
This was a lovely location for a walk and as its such a short distance from home we will definitely be back to complete the climb.
It was warm and sunny (and no midges at this time of year!) and we were very impressed with the effort that had been put in by the estate management who built the path. The path was well marked with plenty of opportunities to sit and take in the view - which we happily did on various occasions.
As we reached the top of our climb and to Lunar Loch, the weather changed dramatically and the heavens opened. We donned our waterproofs and decided not to make the final ascent up Meall a'Ghiubhais (we were happy to make a return journey at another time). Besides, we had another two days of walking ahead of us.
We started to make our descent - not as steep as the climb up - and again took in the views as the weather cleared. We reached the car park at around 12.20 and stopped for lunch at a picnic bench on the loch.
This was a lovely location for a walk and as its such a short distance from home we will definitely be back to complete the climb.
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