Walks 2017
Ben Lora, New Year's Day, 2017.
We had a terrific start to the year, 'doing' Ben Lora above the village of Benderloch.
We met many people on the hill, and their dog, and shared 'Happy New Year'.
Bridge of Orchy to Victoria Bridge, 15th. January 2017
Starting from the Bridge of Orchy Hotel and crossing the bridge over the River Orchy, we proceeded along the West Highland Way, stopping at the Cairn to admire the view of Loch Tulla and the snow covered surrounding mountains.
Glen Nant – 5 February 2017
Seventeen walkers gathered in the Glen Nant Forestry car park for the start of this walk. The route followed ‘The Ant Trail’ and began on the forest road before turning on to a narrow track which took us through ancient mature oakwoods. This is an area which is also noted for its mosses, liverworts and lichens. We meandered along the route crossing a couple of sturdy wooden bridges before stopping for a ‘cuppa’ at a convenient viewpoint. Here we could also enjoy a ‘postcard view’ of a snow-capped Ben Cruachan.
New York! New York! 19th February 2017
On a rather damp, misty morning we set off from Dalavich Communtiy Centre on a footpath that wound gradually uphill through oak woodland until it opened out onto a forest track through felled conifers. Low cloud obscured the views of Loch Awe but we passed lichen covered trees and the mossy ruin of a cottage before stopping for lunch at Cruachan picnic area. Swirls of mist and a spectacular waterfall made for an atmospheric descent down to the shores of Loch Awe.
5th March 2017 – Cuil Bay, Duror
From the primary school in Duror, we walked down the quiet road to Cuil Bay, stopping for coffee in the sunshine looking south along Loch Linnhe. Then across the hill on a winding route through rough heather to reach the shore south of Ardsheal. From there we followed the coast, walking mainly on beach and grassy fields with good views of the snow covered peaks of the Nevis Range.
Crinan 19 March 2017
This walk was in memory of Marion Fergusson, a founder member of Oban Walkers, who died earlier this year. Marion was born at Crinan and it was one of her favourite areas.
Kerrera April 2nd 2017
The walk took us round the west side of Kerrera, and up to Hutcheson's Monument. There were lots of primroses and spring lambs but no march hares. We did however see a big white rabbit !
16th April 2017 – Glen Creran
From the head of Loch Creran we followed the river through woodland and pasture around the base of Beinn Sgulaird, seeing bright yellow blooms of American Skunk Cabbage along the water’s edge and a couple of deer higher up the hillside. The early threat of rain disappeared and the day brightened. On reaching Glenure House we passed through the grounds to Elleric, then up through the forestry to a viewpoint giving a panoramic view of Glen Ure, Glen Creran and the surrounding mountains with their dusting of snow. Taking a muddy footpath through the trees, we headed for the picturesque Fairy Bridge before descending to the road and back across the river to our starting point.
Dalmally 7th May 2017
We had a lovely hill walk, just to the north of Glenview Dalmally in full on sunshine.
With great views of Loch Awe and the surrounding hills.
Sunday 21 May - Midmuir Drove Road
This track lead us past Sior Loch and on to our lunch spot at Loch Nant. We returned to Musdale in sunshine and were fortunate to witnessthe rare sight of a golden eagle as it circled high above us.
4th June2017 Loch Etive
The walk headed along the forestry track to the shores of Loch Etive. The track passed through the Glen Noe estate with great views of Ben Cruachan. A further two miles took us through beautiful woodland continuing on the forestry track with lovely views to the Loch Etive islands and passing round the binoculars were able to see the seals relaxing in their yoga poses! Finally just at the head of Glen Kinglass the view opened out to show Loch Etive stretching up to Glencoe and the great mountains of Ben Starav and the long back of Glen Trilleachan. We stopped for a well earned lunch admiring the view and passing around the many treats. When we couldn’t eat anymore we returned by the same forestry track arriving back at 4.30 leaving just enough time for a cup of tea (and cake for those who still had room) at the Inverawe Smokery.
18th June 2017 – Knapdale Forest, near Lochgilphead
From Cairnbaan we climbed up through the Knapdale Forest to Kilduskland Reservoir, where the midges ensured our lunch stop was brief! Then down out of the low cloud to Ardrishaig and back to our start point via the Crinan canal, with plenty of flowers and grasses alongside the tow path to try and identify.
2nd-July 2017 - Lismore
We had a nice walk on the south of Lismore on a day of mixed weather and had a cupa at the new burger van at the pier before the ferry back to Oban.
20th August 2017-Kingshouse
With the promise of a dry and maybe even sunny day forecast, we met at the KingsHouse Hotel near Glen Coe, originally a 17th century inn used by drovers but now popular with walkers as it lies on the West Highland Way.
3rd September 2017-Stonmilchan
Just after the Stronmilchan turn off we took the Castles Farm track to the left of the farm and gradually climbed up towards the hydro scheme at the top of the glen with Beinn a’ Chochuill on one side and Stob Diamh on the other.
17th September -2017-Kilmartin
22nd October - Dalmally
Starting at the community garden we crossed the bridge and turned right along the road running parallel with the river Orchy, along the road past Craig House and Farm and continued along the farm track for a further approx 2-3 miles. We returned on the same track to Dalmally and a very welcome cup of tea from Alan and Sue.
Sunday 29th October- Loch Avich
Sunday 5th November-Glenachulish
Sunday 19th November-Glen Duror
Sunday 26th November-Ardmaddy
Sunday 3rd December Glen Stockdale from Appin
