Corrour, take 2

While there last week, I'd booked myself into the Corrour Station B&B for tonight. The plan being to walk in from Kinlochleven one way and out the next day by a different route.

I decided to go via Blackwater reservoir. The first section of the route follows the West Highland Way, before branching off towards the dam. The path is a track, but the easiest walking is along the water conduit. The water enters the conduit (below) from the dam and is piped down the hill into Kinlochleven. The reservoir was built in the early 1900s to serve the aluminium smelter in Kinlochleven. It is the last major British project to have been built by navvies, at a cost of many lives. The smelter closed down in 1996, and the pipes now feed a hydro-electric plant.


Once across the dam (you're not allowed across the dam wall, but I ran fast enough that they couldn't catch me!) the path follows the side of the reservoir. Due to the recent weather, this was boggy in places. I managed not to get too wet, despite the occasional downpour. After about 1km, the path leaves the reservoir and heads North East towards Loch Chiarain. The bothy (below) was a welcome stop off for lunch, and the only time during the whole day when I met another person.


Once past Loch Chiarain, the path seemed to go on forever. With mountains on both sides, the scenery didn't change much, so the sight of Loch Treig (below) was very welcome. It also helped me chart my exact position.


From Loch Treig, the track headed uphill. A passing train gave me the excuse to stop and wave at people and spurred me onwards to my dinner. The track passes under the railway, but following this takes you down to Loch Ossian, and was out of my way. The alternative path seemed to go through bog. Having spent last week memorising the train timetable, I took my chances and walked a short section alongside the railway lines. The track is on a raised bed and went directly to my destination.



(Technical Data: distance = 27.5km, ascent = 850m)

Sunset

This was taken last night, looking down Loch Leven.

Rannoch Moor

Had a logistical nightmare today. I decided that I wanted to walk from Kings House to Rannoch Moor Station. The only problem was how to get back! I eventually decided to park at Fort William and get the bus to Kings House, then I could get the train back. Ended up in a bit of a rush and forgot my camera :(

There were 2 other people who got off the bus at the same place, but they headed in a different direction, so I had the path to myself. The first section is the driveway up to Black Corries Lodge, and then it becomes a footpath. This was clear and surprisingly dry. The final section was a pleasant track through the woods.It was at this point that I started to see a few people, presumably doing a short walk from the station.

I'd walked quicker than I expected, so had a bit of time to kill in the station cafe waiting for the train. I got chatting to a couple in there, lost track of time, and had to dash out to catch my train! It's a long wait for the next one.

It's a few years since I've done the train journey from Rannoch Moor to Fort William, so I sat back and enjoyed the scenery.

(Technical Data: distance = 20km, ascent = 330m)

The Robbers' Waterfall

The road down Glen Etive is a dead end, so it doesn't get too much traffic. It is a beautiful glen, leading to Loch Etive. The road passes along the foot of Buachaille Etive Mor before entering a forest. The path up to the Robbers' Waterfall crosses the River Etive and then starts to climb. Unfortunately, with the rain of the past few days, the burns higher up were in spate, so I couldn't get right up to the waterfall.


I retraced my route and drove to the end of the road. The broken jetty is a sign that not much sea traffic comes this way these days!


On the way back up the glen, I encountered this fella and his better half. She wasn't keen to have her photo taken, but he was pleased to oblige.

(Technical Data: distance = 7.5km, ascent = 280m)

Oban

Okay, so not technically a walk, or a ski, but a great day out! I decided that it was time to have a rest day, so went for a drive to Oban. The weather in Fort William wasn't great, but by the time I got to the coast the sun was out.

Monessie Gorge and the Puggy Line

The Puggy Line was the railway that was built to aid construction of the tunnel from Loch Treig to Fort William. It was closed in 1977 and most of the track pulled up. It is possible to walk most of this route.

I thought twice about doing a walk today, as the weather has been a bit grizzly. But, donning the waterproofs, I set off from Coire Choille and joined the Puggy Line just South of Inch. The path was boggy in places, and there were a few scrambles down steep banks to cross burns. Despite how they may appear in the photo (above, the bridges are not safe to cross.

I left the Puggy Line by the disused adit, and joined the track to Monessie. The gorge is best viewed from the railway, but the swing bridge across was an experience! Every step I took, I was convinced it was going to give way.



I retraced the route to the adit, then continued along the track back to my car.

(Technical Data: distance = 12.5km, ascent = 300m)

Steall Falls

Having waved goodbye to my dad, and been reunited with my car at Bridge of Orchy, I drove to Fort William in search of somewhere to pitch my tent. Having settled on a "car camp" rather than a backpack, I went for a short walk.



Glen Nevis is a picturesque valley at the foot of Ben Nevis. The road eventually hits a dead end, and then there is a path through a gorge out to Steall. The waterfall is one of the biggest in Scotland, and is spectacular when in spate. The steep slopes to the North lead to Ben Nevis and Aonach Beag, and to the South is the "Ring of Steall".

(Technical Data: distance = 5.5km, ascent = 350m)

Beinn na Lap

Beinn na Lap is a nice rounded Munro to the North of Loch Ossian. Despite being 935m, the starting height of 400m makes it a reasonably pleasant climb. Certainly the view from the top was stunning.


Rather than come back down the short route, I continued NE and descended via Loch na Lap and Strathossian. As with many such hills, there was no path, and picking my way down to the lochan was steep and boggy!

(Technical Data: distance = 22.5km, ascent = 695m)

Loch Ossian

After a good night's sleep I wandered up to the Corrour Station House Restaurant for breakfast and to meet up with my dad who was staying there. The presence of flush toilets was an added bonus! My dad had seen a walk in Country Walking magazine that he was keen to do, so we walked a full circuit of Loch Ossian. The path (track) on the North side of the loch is the estate road that runs the 16 miles from the station to the A86, while the path on the South side is more like a walking path.


The Corrour Estate was owned and developed by Sir John Maxwell, to whom there is a memorial plaque near the New Lodge. The guests to the estate used to get the train to the station, and then were transported by horse and carriage to the boat landing stage (now the Youth Hostel). They were then taken by boat, the full length of the loch, to the Lodge.

(Technical Data: distance = 14km, ascent = 150m)

Rannoch Moor

Had booked to stay at the Loch Ossian Youth Hostel for a few nights, so decided to walk in from Rannoch Moor station. This route starts at a remote train station and finishes at an even more remote hostel. I only saw one other person once I left the station.

The path was clear all the way, skirting round the base of Carn Dearg, and passing by the ruins of Corrour Old Lodge. This was once an isolation hospital...and I can't think of a more appropriate location! On the way, there are great views across the expanse of Rannoch Moor, with the railway in the foreground and Blackwater Reservoir in the distance.

Eventually Loch Ossian came into view....just as the weather turned, and the rain started.

The Youth Hostel (above) hidden in the trees, was a welcome site. It is an eco-hostel, where they utilise wind and solar power and have compostable toilets. As for showers - well, you've got a loch outside!

(Technical Data: distance = 16.5km, ascent = 365m)

The Great Ridge

After yesterday's epic, I decided to cheat a bit on this one! I had my parents with me, so we drove up to Mam Nick car park and started the walk from there. Having left the other car in Hope, this meant that we could avoid the steep uphill bits.

The Great Ridge really is one of the classic walks in the Peak District. Today was a clear day, so the views were stunning. As usual, we made good use of the Woodbine Cafe in Hope before heading back up to Mam Nick to collect the car.

(Technical Data: distance = 7km, ascent = 150m)

Edale - A Long Walk

Decided that today was the day to walk the route that I'm planning for the Norton Charity Challenge in September. The sun was out, the sky was blue, and I've now got sore feet.

A full account of the route can be found here.

(Technical Data: distance = 30 km, ascent = 1160m)

Castleton

Decided to do something a bit different today. Had thought about doing a really long walk, but then had a lie in! Finally decided to park at the Blue John Caverns and walk along Rushop Edge. It's a long time since I've walked in that direction, usually favouring Mam Tor.

Walked along Rushop Edge, down the lane to Perryfoot, along past Eldon Hill Quarry and down into Castleton via Cave Dale. Had intended to walk back up Winnats Pass, but changed my mind and went up the subsided road beneath Mam Tor.

It appears that summer has finally arrived. The sun was out most of the afternoon, and it made a pleasant change not to have to make use of my waterproofs.

(Technical Data: distance = 15.5km, ascent = 529m)

Redmires Conduit

As a change, I decided to head out to Redmires after work today. I waited in the car as it chucked it down, then managed to stay dry while out.

I often do a short walk that starts from the car park at the top of Redmires, and joins the conduit track back round. However today I decided to explore the conduit in the other direction.

This was never a footpath until it became access land. It leads out to a small reservoir, which isn't named on the OS map. Anyone know if it has a name? It wasn't the prettiest, but it was a spot I'd never been to before, and is fairly well hidden.

Just goes to prove that even places on your doorstep can be new and exciting!

More Ladybower

I know, I know. Twice in two days is a bit predictable, however, it's an easy, flattish walk on good paths and has toilets half way round. Where else would I want to walk on my way home from work?

The weather wasn't quite as good today as it was yesterday, but I didn't get wet.

Ladybower

Now that I have a car again, and the weather is okay, I'm hoping to get back to going out walking after work. Today was sunny, so I went for the old favourite - park on the A57 and walk round Ladybower. As an added bonus today, I was early and the snack bar at Fairholmes was still open, so I treated myself to an ice cream :-)

Scotland - the work trip

(Scotland - the holiday will hopefully follow!)

Hmm. Where to start with recounting this one?

As you may be aware, I run a Duke of Edinburgh's Award Group, and this was a Gold Expedition trip. The students are out on expedition for four days, but when you add in travelling and recovery days we are away for eight.

As we have done for the past few years, we stayed at Caolasnacon which is about 30 mins drive south of Fort William. The weather forecast was mixed, and Saturday was drizzly. The groups set off on Sunday, and those that had forgotten their suncream were in trouble! However, it didn't last. Monday brought torrential rain, bog, mud and us having to re-route groups away from flooded areas!

The week didn't get any easier from there, although the rain did stop, and we had a bit more sun. The midges weren't too bad either!

On a personal note, I got very little walking done. I'd hoped to be able to do a few days, but the way things worked out there just wasn't the time. I did one walk/bike ride up near Mamore Lodge Hotel, above Kinlochleven, which gave great views along Loch Leven, but unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me. Oh well, another place I have to go back to!

Trains to the Peak

Frustration at not being able to get out into the Peaks after work finally drove me to the trains, and more specifically, to Edale.



The weather was good, so I decided to walk up to the top of Mam Tor, along the ridge to Lose Hill (shown in photo), and down into Hope station. Naturally, I took a slight detour to visit the Woodbine Cafe in Hope. It seemed the best way to kill 40 mins until the next train.

Get my new motor on Tuesday, so hopefully I can get out more :-)

On my bike....

I'm now officially car-less. It's a sad state to be in, as to get to work by public transport takes at least 2.5 times as long as driving. So, this morning I attempted the impossible...

I cycled to work!!

Amazingly, it took around the same time as it does on the bus, but is far healthier and cheaper. I may try again sometime.

Switzerland.......in Spring!

Well, it started off okay. A nice easy walk from Mannlichen to Kleine Schiedegg, enjoying the alpine flowers. It was drizzling, but an okay day. Then, we woke up to this....




Not quite what I'd planned for! Would've been fun if I'd had my skis with me. Still, we made the best of it, and had quite a lot of sun for the rest of the week.

Most of the mountain paths were closed due to snow/avalanche risk, but did manage to First-Bachalpsee in knee deep snow. I guess I'll just have to go back when the weather is better.