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The week before this mini adventure I'd cycled 80 miles around this area with my friend Ian. Then I swore I'd be back soon for some walking. Usually I head to Assynt around the 28th May, my birthday, but the weather was foul. So I hatched a plan to take advantage of the small weather window around Ardnamurchan
My plan included a Corbett, a sub 2000, a summit camp, a sunset, a sunrise, two beaches (only managed the one due to weather) & a lighthouse. So I left Glasgow very early on the morning of the 26th of May to catch the Corran Ferry.
26th May 2017Corran Ferry then drove to a bridge at the A861 just east of the bridge over the Allt Coire an Iubhair. I expected it to be hot and sunny but there was some dark clouds in the sky! Anyhow shorts on and off I went, heading NW for 4k to the summit of Garbh Bheinn.
Looking back to Loch Linnie
Same view from further up
The higher I got the colder it became, so on went the long sleeve top.
Summit of GB ahead
There wasn't any difficulty, but patience was required. I was enjoying the solitude
. Soon enough I reached the summit, dark clouds still threatening.
Pretty windy on the summit, not forecast, so I didn't hang around and made my way back to the car.
It was now 1pm. My plan now was to head for Ben Hiant for a summit camp. Back at the car the weather had improved dramatically, it was now scorchio
The drive around the peninsula was sensational, I stopped lots of times at varying points for photos and a bit to eat...I was in no rush
The views
Around 4pm I was at the start point for Ben Hiant. At around 500m it's the highest point in the peninsula so affords spectacular views to the West Coast Islands. Camping gear in the rucksack ready for a summit camp
I'd only walked 15 minutes and already the views were sublime
It only took an hour to the summit. As I approached a father and his two grown up children were just leaving, we had a brief chat. I was now all alone in the most magical of spots
Time to pitch the tent...
The pitch
The views
I sat here for over 5 hours milking the views, eating food, and enjoying a dark beer. C'mon sunset show yourself!
It did, but only just...
Satisfied I popped into the tent and tried to sleep. The wind was howling but the tent was more than capable, I managed a few hours before rising at 4am chancing my arm for a sunrise.
27th May 2017Looks like my luck was in
After witnessing a beautiful sunrise I hung around for an hour before making my way back to the car. I knew the weather was forecast for heavy rain around 2pm. My next destination was the most Westerly point on the mainland - Ardnamurchan Lighthouse.
Arrived here, after another long but wonderful drive, around 8.30am. The cafe was shut, it opened at 9am, but the museum was open. I spent over two hours around the lighthouse area, a great place to relax and take it all in. Chatted with a couple from down South on a motorbike trip, also a family from Switzerland. They couldn't believe I was Scottish!! I assumed it was down to looking healthy in my 40's or the Glasgow accent was nothing they'd ever come across
The Lighthouse
With time pressing I jumped in the car and headed for Sanna Bay. Another single track windy road led to my destination, it was now 11am. I walked around this wonderful bay for a couple of hours, exploring its many aspects, before siting for an hour looking out to see. I only seen a few other people here - bliss
Sanna Bay
Just as I was about to leave, around 2pm, the heavens opened and it began to rain heavily. I drove to the Kilchoan hotel to check the weather, it had wi fi
. Whilst enjoying some soup & crusty bread I checked out my options. My plan was to head for Kentra Bay and camp there, however the weather looked brutal. Eventually I decided to drive home so I could get my bike as the weather nearer home looked better.
28th May 2017Having enjoyed an evening in my own bed I cycled to Glasgow Central Station for the train. This would take me to Wemyss Bay for the ferry to Bute. I cycled around the Island twice. it was windy, but dry
My mini trip wasn't over just yet! My friend and I cycled 64 miles around the Cowal Peninsula, another train and ferry trip. Magnificent scenery down this way. Very quiet and definitely an area I'd like to walk in.
Another year, another fantastic birthday week. Ardnamurchan is spectacular for walking, cycling, & an arrange of other activities. I will be back soon...but I hope next year the weather is better up in Assynt
