Serenaded by a piper

 Aug 8th

The night was peaceful, from 9 pm not another train ran along that line. In fact, it was only as we left MB this morning to walk to the Castle that a train whistle was heard in the distance.

The midges were bad on our way towards Kilchurn Castle. Stupidly, we hadn't sprayed with anti midge stuff and the nets were still in the rucksack, so it wasn't a very pleasant walk. The castle was a ruin and overlooked Loch Awe, the peak of Ben Cruachan could also be seen in the distance.

The only part we could view was the exterior, the danger of falling masonry closed the interior to the public. To read its history, click HERE

It was a relief to get back to MB and apply Anthisan to the bites that were already starting to itch, and when we stopped at the Lower Falls of Orchy, liberally sprayed with the insect repellent on all exposed skin before venturing out.

We found the falls by accident. Ian turned MB off the A85 onto a single track road, it appeared to be a shortcut to join the A82 further up. The lane was no harder than any of the others we travelled, and it followed the glen and River Orchy. Having driven not even a mile, we did think our shortcut route was destined to be doomed because coming towards us in reverse was a road sweeper!

 

Not a single passing place to be seen, and Ian was all set to reverse the distance back to the main road. The sweeper suddenly stopped and set off forward at a very slow pace. Sweeping was in progress, gosh, this was going to be the slowest shortcut ever! But then he speeded up and pulled into a large passing place. Phew, our snail's pace was over, and our journey was resumed at a better speed.  

About halfway, I happened to glance to my left as a bridge across the river appeared. It was then that I noticed the falls behind the trees. Luckily a car park was a short distance back, and with nothing coming, Ian reversed MB back.

 The waterfall drop was only small, but the amount of water cascading over the rocks made them impressive. We tried clambering over the rocks to one side, Ian managed, so did I after a struggle, but I didn't venture as far out as he did.

Amazing what the force of water can do to rocks.

A quick coffee was had before heading off to the A82 and once reached, we turned off toward Glencoe. This was a wonderful road with views of the glens and mountains. Today, every man and his dog also had the same idea, including many coaches. Not far from joining the main road, we stopped at a viewing point. Amongst all the coaches and vehicles already parked was one spot we could get into. Greeting us as we drove in was the sound of bagpipes, and surrounding a young man in Scottish attire was a large American tourist group having alighted from one of the coaches. Next to the player was a bag, wow, what a great place to do a bit of busking. Money was continually being placed in the bag, a perfect spot for this young man, especially with all those foreign coach passengers enjoying the sound of a Scottish Piper.

The views are wonderful, we loved the South Island in NZ, but the highlands can match those mountains in their splendour. I can imagine the beauty of a winter scene as you drive along the A82. We want to do NZ in winter at some point, I think it will be cheaper to come to Glencoe instead. 

We looked for somewhere to stop. Every lay-by and grassy cut out area were full. Driving further and further along the road, we came to the waterfall known as The meeting of Three Waters. Again, parking was impossible and all I could do was grab a quick photo as Ian slowed down.

Having passed the Glencoe Mountain Resort, we decide to turn around and have a look at that. On arrival, we noticed the chair lift and went to inquire on the cost. It was £17 each and had the weather been good, may have given it a go. Instead, for £5 we could spend the night and use all the facilities. 1 pm was a bit early to stop, but the rain had begun again, and I really wanted to continue watching the Olympics. 

We have begun our journey home and expect to be back sometime over the weekend.

And wildlife