This easy walk crosses the impressively long and rickety Jubilee Bridge across the tidal marshes of Loch Laich. The walk then follows a cycletrack and the shoreline to a good viewpoint of Castle Stalker before returning by the same route.
Summary
Paths and pebbly shoreline together with the long wooden Jubilee bridge and boardwalk. The walk is level, however at very high tides the boardwalk and shoreline may not be passable.
Terrain
Jubilee bridge sign on right side of road just past Taychreggan (on the Appin to Port
Appin road).
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
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1. Start the walk by turning off the minor road to Port Appin at the blue sign for Jubilee Bridge just passed Taychreggan. There are a number of small parking areas at the side of the road, just be careful not to block passing spaces. Looking across the water, Castle Stalker can already be seen, backed by the Morvern mountains. The walk descends to the shore and passes a bird hide overlooking the tidal marshes.
2. Follow the path as it skirts between the shoreline and the edge of gardens and croft land. Soon the long span of Jubilee Bridge comes into view. Cross the bridge and continue on the boardwalk. At very high tides this section can be impassable. The path continues through a small copse of hazel trees. Turn left through a small gate following a wooden sign with two arrows on it and go over a wooden bridge. The path then follows the wall of the old railway embankment for a short while until a tunnel under the railway is reached.
Photo shows Jubilee Bridge from above
3. Go right through the gate and through the tunnel and turn right immediately afterwards to climb up the path leading to the old railway line. This is now part of the long distance cycle route between Oban and Ballachulish. Turn right to head along the cycle track. At the end of the cycle track, after passing a double gate, turn left and go straight ahead through a farm gate next to some recycling bins. The path follows a line of trees down to the remains of an old boat house on the shore. When you reach the shore turn right and continue along the shoreline as Castle Stalker comes into view. The castle, which is completely cut off at high tide, was built in its present form around 1446 by the then Lord of Lorn, Sir John Stewart. Since that time, the inhabitants of the castle have led colourful lives often with murderous endings. The castle is now a private home but is open for tours, including boat trip, on limited days during the summer.
Photo shows Castle Stalker from above
4. Continue along the shore until you reach the restored boathouse with its rail running into the sea. From here there are good views of the castle and background hills. At the right time of year you can sometimes get spectacular sunsets over Castle Stalker from the Jubilee Bridge. The return route is the same as the outward route over Jubilee Bridge, enjoying the great views back across the water.
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