We were late arriving at our long planned family gathering in Lochgoilhead due to bad weather causing ferry cancellations, but we did get there in the end, despite snow on Rannoch Moor and at the top of the 'Rest And Be Thankful'. Slush on the single track road down to Lochgoilhead made it hard to determine where tarmac ended and grass began!
Sunday 10th MarchAfter saying my Hello's, out for a late afternoon walk with the dog, who was crossing her legs after our long drive 'Sooth'. I wandered south up into the forests, then doubled back, passing above Lochgoilhead village. There's an arboretum to the east of the village, which would be worthy of further investigation, but daylight was ebbing away so I pressed on, eventually joining a newly made riverside walk which wound between mossy oaks; this took me south back into the village as darkness was falling. A modest 4 miles, but very welcome after driving for 7 hours!
Lochgoilhead from the eastMonday 11th MarchFamily meal in Inverary planned, but I did manage to squeeze in a 4 mile Lochside run with my youngest son in the early morning sunshine; a lot of snow on the hills. After the meal, we had a stroll up into the forests to the east; lots of frog spawn about, and some nice waterfalls in Glen Donich. 2.5 miles.
View from our holiday let, lots of fresh snow on the hillsTuesday 12th MarchDetermined to get at least one day of decent walking in, my wife and I set off westwards into the hills on our own; the rest of the family heading off to Benmore botanical gardens near Loch Eck. The day started well, with bright sunshine and the snow covered tops clear of cloud. We took a short cut past the 'Village Green' and crossed over to the western shore of Loch Goil, where there is a large holiday park - wooden chalets and static caravans. I really can't understand why anyone would want to own one of these - each to their own, I suppose.
Lochgolhead Village Green. Note the eucalyptus tree to the right.At Lettermay (below Corrow on the map below), we headed up a farm track away from the loch, following the course of the Cowal Way into the valley of the Lettermay Burn. We climbed steadily through rough pastureland, and good views unfolded around us, with the very top of The Cobbler peeping out from behind the shoulder of Ben Donich.
The way ahead. The hill is the eastern spur of Beinn Lochain.Ben Donich (left), The Brack (centre), Cnoc Coinnich (right), Lochgoilhead below.After crossing the burn, we followed a diversion up onto a forest road, and continued westwards. Easy walking, but we were surprised when a timber carrying juggernaut appeared out of nowhere and sped past us on it's way to collect a load - Tess, our spaniel, gets a bit overexcited around large vehicles.
One of many fine waterfalls on the rain swollen Lettermay BurnThe road continued for about a mile up to the head of the valley, where there is a fine cascade tumbling down the hillside from Curra Lochain above. At this stage I still harboured hopes that we would climb a hill, either Beinn Bheula (779m) to the SE, or Beinn Lochain (703m) to the NE, but I was beginning to have my doubts as the weather was starting to deteriorate (heavy rain was forecast for mid afternoon). The track doubled back upon itself and climbed steeply north east, before taking another sharp turn to the west, this zigzagging took us around the cascade and adjacent crags, and we broke out into more open country, where the trees had been clear felled.
Beinn Bheula and the cascade descending from Curra LochainA short struggle into the teeth of a strong rain laden westerly took us to Curra Lochain, where we took shelter amongst some spruce trees for a breather and a snack. Unfortunately some wannabe survivalist types had been there, signs of a fire and several beer cans scattered about.
Curra Lochain. We sheltered in the trees to the right.We unanimously decided to forget about the hills, as although the rain had stopped, the wind really was picking up. We decided instead to find a different way back through the forestry. So back down the steep zig zag to the forest road, which we followed around the hillside into Gleann Beg, where we were delighted to spot a Roe Deer. The forest road wound around the hillside, climbing in places, and we began to realise that we might have quite a walk on our hands! But no problem, the wind was at our backs and the walking was easy, and we had some fine views down to the loch below.
Lochgoilhead far below, with The Brack and Cnoc Coinnich in the background.On and on we walked, surprised again by the forestry truck coming back for another load, and by a rather bedraggled and lonely stray cow!
Northwards through the forest, snow covered Beinn an Lochain (another one) visible to the right (901m)The road twisted and turned, but we had no option to carry on at this stage - it must break out onto the road somewhere, but we were in a race against the weather, which really was starting to deteriorate. Thankfully the track started to descend with a purpose, and after passing through some pleasant deciduous woodland, we reached the valley bottom.
I had had enough, and was tempted to just walk back along the road, but we decided to take a shorter route down the west side of Glen Goil. This was pleasant to start with, a well made track to a house, but after entering the woods the path became a boggy morass, and to make matters worse, the rain started. After maybe a mile and a half of squelching, we spotted some hardstanding in the gloom ahead - the start of a decent forest road. In a final twist, this was guarded by a moat of bog around which we could see no way - water went over my ankles whilst trying to circumvent it. I was tempted to kiss the dry land! To cap it all, the heavens really opened as we walked back through the village.
All in all a very satisfying walk though; 12.5 miles.
We couldn't do this overlooked area justice due to poor weather and lack of time, but I do feel that it has a lot to offer the keen walker.