A visit to the Slate islands.

My daughter took my wife and I for a camping trip to three islands situated a mere stones-throw from the 'mainland' South of Oban. Beginning on Seil island and then down to a ferry to reach Luing island where we had a camp at Blackmill Bay. On the way back to the ferry on the following day we made a wee trip down to Toberonochy where we had a lesson in successful vegetable gardening from a gentleman living there in retirement and with his precious sailing boat on a mooring within sight of his home. A further trip to the West coast on Luing to reach Cullipool, another area for the quarrying of slate in the past, and the wee .94 metre trig point above the village. Well worthwhile having a bowl of soup and home made bread in the cafe come visitor centre in the village. Back to Seil and then down to Easdale, a very small island off Seil, on the West coast of the island where slate quarrying must have been on the grand scale with around thirty-forty wee slate houses, now all rendered and whitened, on the island. Along to near the Clachan bridge to then get down to our overnight camp above the Puilladobhrain Anchorage to meet some of the sailing folks, with boats moored nearby, and stretching their legs on land. We spent the following day on Kerrera island and reached the ancient Gylen castle perched on conglomerate rocks above the sea. At the wee house at Lower Gylen we enjoyed another bowl of excellent soup and bread. Ferry back to near Oban to reach the vehicle for a return home.

Seil.

The Gateway to Seil island.

The Small ferry that connects Seil to Luing
Luing.
An old decaying Mill close to Blackmill Bay.
Mel and trailer arriving at Blackmill Bay.
The Kelpie.
Peaceful camping at the Bay.

Evening at the campsite from Blackmill Bay looking out to Lunga..

Perhaps Otter lookout spots at Blackmill Bay.
Trig point.94 above Cullipool.

Looking down on Cullipool on Luing with the water filled Slate quarry on our way from the .94 metre Trig Point.

Back to Seil. The crags above Ellanabeich seen from Easdale.
One of the many wee cottages on Easdale.

The water filled Quarry on Easdale....Mull behind.
Exploring Easdale.

From Easdale across the Firth of Lorn to the hills on Mull.

Kerrera.
Gylen Castle on Kerrera island.
Return from Gylen castle.
The 'cafe' at lower Gylen.
Trig point .189 on Kerrera.

Comments

Glen Tromie, the Gravel Track, the Corbett, and Glen Feshie.

We began this day out from the Wildlife Park with just a short distance into Kingussie the only part of the journey that was on a road with traffic. I don't think that bikes and traffic mix well on a busy road. However we survived the ride during the few kilometres into the village. We were happy to reach the Speyside Way trail and follow this off-road to reach Tromie Bridge and then follow the Glen track until we left it to gain the Gravel Trail. Some old farm buildings that have become Holiday accommodation. A fine wee cottage above Lynaberack Lodge. Bhran Cottage. A look down on the way to the upper part of the Tromie. Now on the gravel making use of the surface to reach the higher ground. The surface has been established for vehicles to reach the area when the planting of millions of trees happens. I guess that fences will come soon? However the track is very well made with loads of drainage systems and the edges have been re-established with the vegetation. A very different

Using the Burma Road to reach the Dulnain and beyond.

The rough Estate track is approachable from the A9 road close to Aviemore and is used, in addition to the now Forestry work that is at present ongoing, and by walkers and off road cyclists. The way upwards gives very fine views outwards to the Cairngorm hills and from the high point on the track access to one of the Corbett hills and the way outwards and down into the quiet Glen through which flows the Dulnain river a tributary of the river Spey. Through the gate then ramping upwards. The Cairngorms appearing much grander with the additional cloud. The high point on the trail. Reaching the Glen and with the restored cottage at Caggan below. Below can just be seen the bridge to cross the Dulnain River. From the bridge crossing looking upstream to an estate Bothy and into an area when Curlews, Oystercatchers and Lapwings arrive for the Summer. The upstream Bothy. To a past Guardian of the Glen. The fine looking Croft at Insharn through which the N7 cycle route passes. The track divides

A Herding Dog visits a small area of the Cuillin.

Over two days Spot walked over a few of the smaller hills in the area. The first day was on Hills above Loch Slapin Sgurr nan Each, the Corbett Garbh-bheinn and the Graham Belig. On the second day after leaving the vehicle at Elgol the water taxi was taken into Scavaig and Loch Coruisk was walked around and then the coastal path was followed past the wee, so called, bad step to get to Camasunary Bay and then continuing coastal path walked back to Elgol. A cool down after a day out. Where the water taxi leaves from to reach the Cuillin. Happy to be at Coruisk....lots of fresh water to swim in. Camasunary Bay with the South flank of Blabheinn behind. The path down to Elgol...Rum in the distance.

Getting about in the hills on foot and by cycle.

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