Escaping the heat Part 1 - Leacanashie and Ardaneaskan

[KatTai]

Decided on Sunday that rather than suffer the heat over on the east coast during my days off I'd go across to Lochcarron on the west coast where it was considerably cooler! It was last minute, but being familiar with the area (seems to be my default camping location) I knew I didn't need to worry about food as the hotel is dog friendly, there's a really good Spar and even better the Waterside Café has new owners and dogs are now welcome! Following my Dundonnell trip I decided to do the same sort of thing and try to stay local rather than travelling all over the place.

We arrived early afternoon and pitched the tent before heading for a snack and then along the coast to our first chosen walk. Moss is currently needing to sit out of adventures at the moment as her spondylosis is playing up so Zena was joined by little sister Dakota who has been enjoying increasing her activity under the advice of her physio. It was only going to be relatively easy walks, or so I thought...

Start of the trail, don't let the waymarker fool you there aren't many on this route!

There aren't many other reports for this route but graded with two boots I thought it should be no problem as a step-up for Dakota. A step up it certainly was! The path climbs steeply before a nice stretch on a path blanketed with pine needles, then a forestry track before forking off onto another path...the path was steep in places, wet, and slippery. It was a bit more challenging than I would maybe have wanted, but Dakota was taking it in her stride though I made sure to find ways down that meant she didn't need to jump and helped her at a couple of points, her harness has a handle making it easy to give her an assist up or down.

The path that forks off from the track

Dakota enjoying the mud!

Zena on the track, it clearly hasn't been hot and dry here!

It wasn't too long on this section though, but it was a relief to get back onto a good track. The rest of the route is easy walking though there was a challenge...

uh oh...

I'd seen the hoofprints, but once on the track I wasn't expecting to see cows right on the track! There was no way of going around them. The options were to go back over the steep, slippery, rocky path, or pass the cows...we kept going, and I explained to the cows that we would just like to get passed if they didn't mind, there was no need to get up, and chatted to them as we walked by making sure to say thank you afterwards. It worked and they didn't bother at all!

The cow probably things I'm mad

Safe!

From here onwards there were no more issues, the track curving round the coastline cutting a corner to Ardaneaskan where the rest of the way is on tarmac. Nice enough views when they appeared, much of the rest of the walk was through trees but it was pleasant enough.

The girls found a bench to pose on

Skye Cuillin in the distance

Reaching the car, we decided to stop at the ruins of Strome Castle on the way back. Have been here before but it was still nice to revisit!

View from Strome Castle

The girls at Strome Castle

Strome Castle

Dinner was in the Lochcarron Hotel, friendly staff and locals and welcoming to the dogs, before heading to the tent. Dakota had only been camping for one night last month and she struggled to settle, this time though she took to it much better even if she did claim my bed!

The bed thief