A permit for Scotland

by Jean Scholes

In June 2021 the Covid rules were relaxed sufficiently to allow visitors into Scotland, as long as provision was made in the hostelry for distancing the visitors.

The Corran Bunkhouse is situated by the slipway for the ferry across Loch Linnhe from Inchree which lies on the A82 between Fort illiam and North Ballachulish. It is well placed for exploring the areas of Ardgour and Sunart on the other side of the loch, and to follow the track through Glen Tarbert to Strontian. The first time I explored this area was during a period of employment when two of us cycled from North Ballachulish on borrowed bikes. This time it was cycling with powered bikes which can, on occasion, be temperamental – the power unit and not the bikes! Unfortunately it was David’s bike which failed. He returned to the pub where, sadly, the landlord could only offer a glass of water until the hour of opening. Departure was delayed until the following day.

The former railway line from Oban to South Ballachulish is designated a cycle route but to find it we had to ask a local. The 50Km route runs close to the loch side and then under trees and strong shadows so being aware of others with their friendly dogs it is prudent to be vigilant. Frequent stops are needed to admire the views, which are as wonderful as Scotland can offer.

The unexpected was finding a former railway station at Duror which is now a restaurant. From here we took a diversion, a climb to a high point with views to Loch Linnhe, the Ardgour hills and the remote Loch Shiel. On another occasion we will continue this cycleway to Loch Etive but this time we free-wheeled back to the restaurant to join the route again. A gentleman Scot took our photos and was totally happy that the railway had gone and that he could cycle this route. The restaurant is to be recommended too!

As a postscript, when mountain biking for Munro bagging it is best to wear trainers and carry the boots and, on the return, to remember which patch of heather was used to hide the bike earlier in the day.

View across Loch Linnhe

Return to the top of this page, or to the complete Index, or to this section's Index.