.....and back!

This morning was bliss. After camping for a week, to wake up to a cooked breakfast was a treat. Especially the venison sausages from the Corrour estate. As a result, I set off a little later than planned!


I decided to go back to Kinlochleven via Luibeilt and Loch Eilde Mor. This meant that the walking I'd do later in the day would be on a track, therefore hopefully easier going. The decision that I had to make was which side of the Abhainn Rath to walk. I favoured the path on the North side, but knowing that the weather hasn't been great, I decided not to risk having to do a river crossing at Luibeilt. This proved to be a good decision!


When I got to the bothy at Staoineag, the stepping stones were completely submerged. The path fades out here and with the riverside boggy, I took my time trying to find the best route. I'd already given up on the idea of trying to keep my feet dry, but at times the challenge was trying to cross water without it reaching the top of my gaitors.


Eventually I spied the buildings at Luibeilt and found my way onto the track. Knowing that the next hour or so was along the track, I began to relax. At this point the rain decided to soak me from the top down! The path alongside Loch Eilde Beag and Loch Eilde Mor was a welcome relief, and on another day I'd have enjoyed the walk, however by this time, I just wanted to get back.


The view along Loch Leven gave me a bit more impetus to finish the walk. Unfortunately I then made a bad route choice. What I should have done was followed the track round to Mamore Lodge and then down, but I chose the more direct route...down a very steep path. It was nice to get back to the car and then the tent!

(Technical Data: distance = 21.5km, ascent = 300m)