“Bridge of Clachan please.”
“Not jumping off it are you?”
“It’s a bit cold for that!”
Do I look desperate? Mind you, who in their right mind boards the first bus at 7 am in the rain? I’m the only passenger — of course.
The driver moved from Leeds four years ago. This is the best route he’s ever had. I imagine it’s quite a contrast to ferrying stressed commuters through the busy city traffic.
I’m deposited back at the bridge in the dark and put on my head torch for the mile of road walking before turning onto a track to explore Beinn Mhor.
Cows are hopeful of breakfast.
“Sorry, my friends.”
I push on and they part.
I’m less confident about approaching the bull, so move up the grassy bank to give him a respectful wide berth.
Without a path up the hill, I climb over a fence and head straight up the steep slope.
Nearing the summit, the clouds part and the sun magically appears, bathing the landscape in the most gorgeous colours, with a rainbow over Mull. Sometimes it all comes together.
The trig point beckons, guarded by a few sheep.
What an amazing spot. Today surely can’t get any better than this. A place to sit, lean against my pack, dig out a bar of chocolate and enjoy the glorious view.
I set off in the rough direction of the road, keeping to the high ground for as long as possible to stay in the sun rather than descend into shadow.
The final approach to the road is a challenge, stepping across the bog, climbing barbed wire fences and leaping across a drainage channel, but the detour was worth it.
The minor road is easy to walk along but traffic on the A816 is fast and nasty, making for a long three miles to Kilmore. Fortunately, there are fine views across Loch Feochan to compensate.
I’m glad to hike out of season. The traffic is light. The views are sublime.
Leaving the main road for Loch Nell, the landscape shimmers despite the black sky.
Rain begins to fall. Sheltered beneath a tree, a wooden bench is the perfect spot for lunch. I lean back against the trunk and close my eyes for a moment.
I’d planned to cut over Cnoc Mor, but the rain has turned icy, so I keep to the lower roads, free of traffic.
Ordinary scenes are transformed by the winter light at the end of the day.
All that remains is to head somewhere, over the rainbow to Oban.
What a magical winter’s day of light and colour.
Date of walk: Tuesday 21 January 2025.
Walk distance: 16 miles.
Total distance: 4,829 miles.
Beautiful photos Tony.
Thanks Mike.
Amazing pictures Tony. Those conditions to get that must only coincide once in a blue moon. Mostly makes up for walking along a fast main road in icy rain!!!
Thanks Paul. You never know what you are going to get.
Stunning views! And that complete rainbow is gorgeous.
Magic indeed.
They are great pictures- you’ve managed to capture the colours so well. On a different note is it easy to embed a live OS map onto the blog coz I’ve had a little look and can’t see how. Any tips gratefully received 😊
Thanks, Nancy. I’m in New Zealand at the moment and about to start a trail tomorrow with no signal, but I’ll post a more helpful reply re: OS maps when I get home.
I would be interested to know, too. Last time I looked you had to pay to embed the OS maps which is why after requests for maps I resort to joining together screenshots of open street map and drawing the route on it, but there is probably a better way!
It was free. However, I’ve received an email about an update to the pricing which I will read when I get home next week and update you both.
Walking the coast south of Oban is surprisingly difficult with a lot of back-tracking I found due to lack of paths and dead end roads. But still very beautiful as you have soon. I was amused by the fact that bridge was called the Bridge over the Atlantic. Conjures visions of a vast structure, rather than a little brick bridge!
Yes, it’s a tricky section but always interesting. I read somewhere that the bridge popped up in a quiz question: What is the name of the only bridge over the Atlantic? 😀