Black Lochs circuit, Connel

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This pleasant circuit visits the Black Lochs, a series of small and attractive lochs fringed by woodland. There are distant views of Ben Cruachan.

Terrain

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

Public Transport

None. Traveline Scotland.

Start

Falls of Lora viewpoint car park. Map and 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

Maps / 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 actual falls, 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 a farmhouse, turn right onto a track through the yard. 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 a couple of new houses and a third house which has been renovated. Go through the gate near the first house and turn right along the now muddy track to pass through a second gate.

Stage 3

Keep on the track as it bends to the left. It soon becomes indistinct; bear right slightly to pass below a hillside with a prominent boulder. Do not take the track that climbs the hill but continue across the field to a gate ahead (out of sight at first). Go through the gate to rejoin a muddy track; follow this to the left contouring a small hill with trees. 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 small path off to the right and descending towards the gap between the first 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 and the track becomes indistinct once more; go through the gate and bear right slightly passing a ruin and then along a little valley, keeping close to a fence and 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 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, eventually heading for a modern house. By the house turn right to continue on the track, crossing a bridge over the burn and eventually leading 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. Turn left onto the main road and then right at the next t-junction to return to the start.

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