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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Fighting the Fires of Kintail

Wild Fires

Sgurr an t-Searraich GlenShiel

2nd May 2011

We had seen the large smoke cloud as we passed through Broadford on Skye the previous evening, but we couldn't have guessed the huge area affected.

Sgurr an t-Searraich is 1890 feet high (576m) and the summit's on fire!

This was a major wild fire, sadly one of many, after an exceptionally dry April.
How often do you see helicopters being used to water bomb a hillside in Britain?

It was fascinating watching the skill of the pilot as he completed a firefighting round - from loch to hill.

Loch Shiel (the Glenshiel one that is!) was the source to fill the 'bomb'. The pilot has downward looking 'rear view mirrors' so he can observe operations. How many gallons in the bag?

In only a few moments a full load was whisked uphill; with a long fiercely burning fire front, where to start?

Perfect - right on target.....

....then back again.....in a never ending cycle......

this time heading for the blazing summit.

We were glad not to have walked the Five Sisters ridge the previous day, as our descent route would have proved hot and interesting!

Quite sad to see such extensive fire damage.

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The Saddle - Glenshiel

Graham's Last Munro?

30th April

Graham informed us that this was his last Munro.

We said; 'Yes - we remember!'

He replied, 'No you don't understand, this is my Last Munro'

OK, that must mean Champagne on top.

The track up to the col is an excellent gradient, and this time it is not a river - the weather is perfect.
Cool, sunny with blue skies.

Ron and Dee raced on ahead - was it a snack stop or a wee romantic moment?

Either Deirdre had lost a contact lens, or Ron had lost 5p!

Almost half way, and not another soul in sight.
Graham slowed the pace a bit, the champagne must have been too heavy.

Ron decided to split away and tackle the Forcan Ridge.

Graham and Dee stopped before the final push for the top.
They look quite merry - had they scoffed the bubbly?

Far above we could see Ron sauntering along the ridge.

We on the other hand were toiling up the scree slope heading for the summit.

At last, the summit is near.

Deirdre and Graham looking mightily pleased with their achievement.
Well done considering they were both well oiled......or was there no champagne?

Ron descending from the summit with helpful guidance from Graham......

Graham striding off - never to venture on the hills again.
So how come he climbed two hills the next day?

Last Munro?  We don't think so!

Just as well - as we didn't even get a soupcon of the champers.

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Eilean Donan Evening

Beautiful Bundalloch

29th April - 2nd May



Dierdre found excellent accommodation for our May break.

Our house was a traditional stone cottage in the tiny hamlet of Bundalloch which adjoins Dornie.
It's right on the shores of Loch Long in Wester Ross; the sea loch which meets Loch Duich to create Loch Alsh.

Sgurr Uran could well be phonetically named after Sgurr Fhuaran, the highest hill on the Five Sisters ridge.

Our group consisted of Dee, Ron, Andy, Bill and Roni.

We were joined on Saturday by Graham and Stan.
Graham went bagging with Ron, Dee and Roni,
whilst Stan went to Skye with Andy and Bill.

It was a great place to come back to.

After everyones exertions on the hill on Saturday, we had a re hydrating drink and said goodbye to Graham & Stan, who were based at the Clunie Inn; we then looked forward to our next visitors, Julie and Henry who were in the area.

We had arranged a communal dinner for 8pm(ish) and in the gloaming we spied two dots on the water.
Was it our guests?

Roni was ready for food, in fact we were all hungry. A couple of glasses were mulled over as we waited for our canoe adventurers to return.

It was a great night to be out on the water,

it must be them now?

Andy, our trainee chef was anxiously tending his vegetables, he didn't want them too floppy...

Shouted abuse from the water confirmed Julie and Henry.
Henry doesn't shout.

It had been a superb paddle out to Eilean Donan.
We were jealous.

Our meal was first rate.
Dee informed us it's called Chicken Parmigiana.
Very nice it was too.

Company was ok.

Amazing how modern digital equipment allows you to share your adventure, immediately.
No more waiting six months for a slide show!

Both hill outings had been glorious;

what would tomorrow bring?

Footnote:

explanation courtesy of Clan MacRae

SGURR UARAN
The war cry of the Clan MacRae is Sgurr Uaran and is named after one of the tallest of the five mountains at the base of Loch Duich known as the Five Sisters of Kintail.

Being Gaelic, its pronunciation needs conversion for those not familiar with the traditional Scottish language! For Sgurr, pronounce "scure", for Uaran, pronounce "ur-an" placing the accent on the first syllable and so that the "ur" rhymes with "tour."

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The Saddle - April 2011

 Pick of the Month 

Taken by Roni on the Saddle, Glenshiel, on a day of scorching sun and a cold blustery east wind, hence the hat and fleece.

Graham states that this is definitely his 'last' Munro.

We remember......

Graham astride the Saddle

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