Jubilee Bridge and Stalker Castle, Port Appin

OBAN AND NORTH LORN


Summary :	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.
Terrain :	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.
Grade :		Distance :	3.5km/2 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	1 – 1.5 hours
Start :	Jubilee bridge sign on right side of road just passed Taychreggan on the Appin to Port Appin road.	Grid ref :	NM233650
Map :	View an OS map showing this route Buy Explorer 376 – Oban online	Ascent :	22m
GPS Route/ Waypoints :	Open this walk in QUO 2 Tell me more Open this walk in GPX format (compatible with Memory map etc)	Open in Virtual Highlands Tell me more Open this walk in Google Earth Tell me more
Public Transport :	[Click for timetables - choose Area 3]

Jubilee Bridge and Stalker Castle, Port Appin no. 1

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. The walk descends to the shore and passes a bird hide overlooking the tidal marshes.

Jubilee Bridge and Stalker Castle, Port Appin no. 2

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.

Jubilee Bridge and Stalker Castle, Port Appin no. 3

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 a short cycle path. 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.

Jubilee Bridge and Stalker Castle, Port Appin no. 4

4. 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. 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.

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Route profile

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