Overview

This is a delightful scenic car drive through wild rugged scenery of Mountain View’s and Lochs as we head towards the coast of Western Scotland, ready to catch the ferry across to the Isle of Skye. Our journey now take s us back to Fort William along the A830, before turning off left along the A82, through Spean Bridge on then along the shore of loch Lochy. This is a freshwater loch, over 9 miles long (15km) and an average depth of 230ft, making it the third deepest in Scotland. At its north easterly point, the Caledonian canal runs up towards Loch Oich, along the A82, and this particular loch Oich is at the canals highest point. (You can read more about this when we review the Caledonian canal itself ) A few miles along loch Oich we turn off left and drive to cross the river Garry, then close to the Inveraray hotel, on the A87, we go just an few miles later until we join the northern shoreline of Loch Garry. As you drive along, look out for the Loch Garry viewpoint car park over to your left, and just look across the Loch back the way you just drove, and you will note the usually shaped lake that makes it look like “The map of Scotland” This is one of the most photographed sights in Scotland. This freshwater loch is 11 km long, and just 50 m deep, being fed by the upstream river Garry as it makes its way into loch Oich. Loch Garry has been dammed, and its waters are then channelled through a tunnel to the power station to provide Hydroelectric supplies, which was completed in 1962. ( For more information of Loch Garry, post code PH35 4HR, look at www.atlasobscure.com/places/Glengarry-viewpointyu Continuing along the A87 the area provides views of its forested lying mountains, where deer stalking is its main activity, while back up towards the north it is a favourite area for “Munro-Baggers” The mountains known as “Monros” are on the list of people who make it their aim to climb or walk up as many of these Monro’s as possible, thus Bagging them when accomplished. We then pass another Loch and its eastern shore at Loch Loyne. The first road of note built here was by Thomas Telford, the old road ran across Loyne over a stone bridge, but this part of the road was then flooded when the dam was built, so a newer road, now part of the A87 was built further up, and again, via a tunnel, the water runs north into Loch Cluanie. At a “T” junction later on, just after crossing the river Morison, we shall turn left to remain on the A87 and run along the northern shores of Loch Cluanie. This lake is actually a reservoir, created by the Cluanie dam, completed in 1957 , as part of the hydroelectric construction. At the far end of Loch Cluanie, you may wish to take a short break for coffee at “ THE CLUANIE INN “. Post code IV63 7YW. www.blacksheephotels.com This is a small hotel, rated a good 4* with free parking, a pleasant bar and small restaurant, lunch served 12.00 till 3.00. On a warm sunny day, the small outdoor terrace may inspire, with views overlooking the mountain ranges, a pleasant break to enjoy. Across the road stands the “Landour Bakehouse” serving handmade cakes, pastries and sandwiches. A quick stop would allow you to try their stuffed croissants, scones, muffins or puddings, open until 5.00pm. =================================================================== After passing Loch Cluanie, we run through the lovely countryside views of “Kintail” The meaning of Kintail is that of “ the head of the salt water/sea” and will be part of the Loch Duich area. The scenery is that of beautiful Mountain View’s that lie below the river Shiel. To its north stands the settlement of Morvich, which serves as the base of the Kintail mountain rescue team, and the caravan clubs piece of land. The Kintail National scenic area is one of forty scenic areas of note in Scotland, with its own beautiful views as you drive along, considered to represent the wonderful scenery of the west highlands. Known more as hills than mountains, these hills north-east of Glen Shiel are collectively known as “ The Five sisters of Kintail” are a well known landmark and part of a hillwalking region, and three peaks are over 3000 feet, making them “Munro,s. Most of this area belongs to the National trust for Scotland, covering some 29 square miles (75 km) and includes one of the highest waterfalls in Great Britain, “The Falls of Glomach” For a few keen eyed spotters, you may just see “Golden Eagles, or maybe Merlin’s. In the lochs you might spot a black-throated diver, of even an otter or two. In the woodlands, Pine Martins, and on lower slopes, red deer. Some of the Feral goats are thought to be from the family line when these goats were first brought to Britain around 3000 BCE. but they try to keep the herd down to around 100, to save the vegetation of the area. Just beyond the five sisters, the A87 follows the river Shiel on your right, and passes the small Loch Shiel, then crosses the river, to pass on your left, the pull in area for what could be a delightful visit

Transport & Parking

As and when needed, the parking areas were flat enough to cope with. Just keep an eye on viewpoint parking areas

Access

If needed, we found it easy enough to move around

Toilets

Toilets were available at The Cluanie inn, easy enough to use.

Staff

Quite nice and friendly, willing helpers.

Photos