Loch Long - Glen Elchaig

 Another day in Paradise

Monday 2nd May

This was Wester Ross weather at its best; words can't convey the pleasure of just being in the Scottish fresh air, amongst the hills, on such days. We only had a half day available as we were all homeward bound late in the afternoon.

The cycle along Loch Long (the Kintail - Glen Elchaig one) was a perfect choice.

It didn't take long to pack, a few sandwiches, a drink, no waterproofs...., and we were on our way.

Sgurr Uran - our base

Ron and Dee arranged to meet us a few miles along the road at a tiny village called Allt-nan-Sugh.

Andy, Roni and Bill left Bundalloch and cycled through Dornie, skirting the hoards at Eilean Donan Castle, on through sleepy Ardelve before turning down Loch Long side.

the road beside Loch Long

From a vantage point high on the road we looked over to our accommodation, Sgurr Uran.

Bundalloch

Looks like there is a big tidal range on Loch Long, Bill and Andrew, spotted an odd boat on the water.

Canoe, kayak or hunting scull boat?

They didn't recognise the shape or make of the craft, any ideas?

Blue skies, hot sun, sweet smelling Broom, no traffic or midges...cycling in Scotland can be bliss.

...fantastic colours

The public road ends at Killilan and the private road begins.

Killilan estate entrance

It's a well kept estate, but it should be, as its owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum - Emir of Dubai, one of the world's wealthiest men.

Passing through the hamlet of Killilan we slowly climbed up Glen Elchaig stopping to look at the Highland Cattle - they always look fierce, but are really very docile.

We weren't racing along, it was a day to enjoy.

Glen Elchaig

It didn't matter if we reached Carnach or Iron Lodge, or even the path to the Falls of Glomach.

Always out in front!

Lunch was eaten at the track-side, with great views up the glen; it's a remote spot.

Looking 'up' Glen Elchaig

It's been around 11 years since we've visited this glen, the last occasion being when Bruce was picking off the remote Munro -Creag a Coir Aird (Mullach na Dheiragain).
There had been thirteen cyclists on that occassion, possibly an unlucky number..... we endured a sustained downpour on the way out, and we finished in the dark, an epic if ever there was one.

Considering this is the 'easy' access to the Falls of Glomach we never met another person.

Reluctantly we turned and headed back to Killilan  - downhill this time.

Downhill is fab!

It was stunning cycle out-not a cloud in the sky.

the road at Killilan 

We had second (or was it third) lunch stop at the estate entrance

easing tired muscles

Dee was keen to keep going...

......what's keeping you?

We took a brief detour to Camus Luinie before heading back along the single track road to Dornie.

Loch Long - looking to the narrows

Sgurr Uran was a super base, looking over to Bundalloch, the loch sparkled in the strong sunshine as we cycled 'home'

Sgurr Uran - Bundalloch

The 'clan' this weekend consisted at various times of, Ron, Dee, Andy, Roni, Bill, Graham, Stan, Julie and Henry.

In exceptionally good weather we had, traversed part of the Skye ridge, climbed the Inn Pinn, explored in Coire Lagan, climbed The Saddle, climbed two Munros above Loch Cluanie, had an evenings kayak on Loch Long, cycled up Glen Elchaig - in addition Henry explored the woods at Balmacara and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the good company. 

Not bad for a relaxing weekend!

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