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Black Lochs circuit, Connel

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This pleasant circuit visits the Black Lochs, a series of small and attractive lochs fringed by native woodland, with distant views of Ben Cruachan. There are usually many cattle grazing along the route.

Terrain

Tracks and minor roads. The tracks are very indistinct and muddy in places.

Public Transport

None.

Start

Falls of Lora viewpoint car park. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.5km / 6.5 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 140m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NM909343

Mapping and GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park in the Falls of Lora viewpoint car park opposite the Oyster Inn / Ferrymans in Connel. Just by the car park is a bench overlooking Connel bridge and the Falls of Lora. These are the rapids of a tidal race rather than waterfalls, and are caused by a rocky shelf which creates a delay or build up in the incoming or outflowing tidal stream and causes a difference in water level between Loch Etive and the open water of the Firth of Lorn. Loch Etive is a seawater loch, tidal until Taynuilt, Bonawe and the upper reaches of the Loch. Begin the walk by walking along the pavement beside the main road, passing under the great iron bridge. Continue along the pavement for another three quarters of a kilometre, passing the road into Connel and the Falls of Lora Hotel before taking the minor 'Achaleven Road'.

Stage 2

This passes under the railway to reach a junction; the right hand turn leads to a small housing estate so keep straight on, then following the road as it bends left. When it reaches Achaleven Croft turn right onto a track. Ignore a smaller track staying down on the flat glen floor and follow the main route which winds up the hill and crosses a cattle grid. Once past its undulating summit there is a first glimpse of the Taynuilt peak of Ben Cruachan in the distance; follow the track as it descends towards some houses. Go through the gate towards the rightmost house and immediately turn right along the now muddy track to pass through a second gate.

Stage 3

Keep on the track through another gate. It bends left and becomes indistinct; bear right to pass through another gate and then left, passing below a hillside with a prominent boulder. Pass through a gate. Do not take the track that climbs the hill but keep left to curve round the foot of a wooded slope - keeping the trees on your right. The track soon comes closer to the loch and there are fine views across it to the woods on the far shore with Ben Cruachan towering in the distance. Keep on the track, ignoring a path off to the right and descending towards the river between the two lochs.

Stage 4

Pass through a gate and continue on the track above the second of the lochs; the scenery on this section is delightful. Another gate is reached; pass through this and then turn right beside the fence, passing a ruin. Next bear left to follow a track along a little valley, passing below a slope with small patches of scree. Kilvaree Farmhouse comes into view ahead and to the left.

Stage 5

Continue alongside a wall and fence to join the track from Kilvaree Farm. Turn right along this; it climbs slightly at first before descending to the third of the Black Lochs, thick with reeds. Soon the track turns to the right and leads away from the loch. It continues, leading past a few scattered houses and caravans. Cross a bridge over the burn and continue on the track as it leads up to the minor road.

Stage 6

Turn right along the minor road. There is little traffic and the countryside is pleasant enough; in just over three kilometres the road leads back to Connel. As you approach Connel a cycle path off right leads to the heart of the village and train station. To return to the Falls of Lora car park it's quicker to stay on the minor road. When the main road junction is reached turn left and then right at the next t-junction to return to the start.

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