| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| southlakesgroup |
Posted - 05/05/2009 : 13:53:10
We were centred in Lower Milovaig (GR 15 50)and were lucky to have five consecutive dry days.
Sunday:Four of us sett off to explore the northern part of our peninsula (Duirinish) the objective being the "Manor Stone". Tarmac terminated at Galtrigill, the stone lay in one of the nearby fields, we each sat on various stones looking like garden gnomes, the Manor Stone was in the next field, a smooth rectangular stone with "Mana" carved in to it. We returned via a track beginning by a watermill. Sadly the roof had collapsed, the mostly wooden machinery inside was deteriorating.
Monday:Headed southwest to a lighthouse on Neist Point. Although now automatic, it's possible to stay in the keeper's accommodation. We found a sheltered spot on the beach with fresh water and driftwood for a fire. Afterwards we followed the sea cliffs northwards to the shell of a coastguard lookout.
Tuesday and Wednesday:It was decided to make a two day tour of the southern part of Duirinish. The tarmac finished at Ramasaig - a farm. Tracks were followed in to a wide valley, passing through an abandoned farming settlement, ruins of "Black houses" with their uniquely rounded outside corner walls, enclosed pastures and deeply ridged arable fields. We forded the river Lorgill and climbed out of the valley. Two shepherds on quad bikes passed us, and the path now followed the sea cliffs over close cropped grass. Descending, we searched for driftwood for overnight stay amongst the seaborne plastic litter. The next day we continued along the path, the coastline curing around eastwards and passed through another abandoned settlement. A forestry road took us to tarmac. Derek and Eddie returned to base, George and I headed for the delights of Dunvegan and a bakery/cafe.
Thursday:A depression was moving in and we struggled against gale force winds. Six miles out on Dunvegan road we turn on to a farm track(GR 225 474). We had two maps, the one and quarter inch showed a track whereas the 2 half inch didn't. We fanned out across the moor, and long legged Reg found the track amongst tall heather and was soon out of sight. We regrouped high in the Glendale Valley. Looking down, our path was now churned up by construction traffic. It was mucky exit to tarmac, but tailwind back to base.
OS 1:50 000 sheet 23
Bob McHardy
This ride report was first publish in the May/June issue of the Rough-Stuff Journal and if would like more information about Vagabonds Group rides contact George on O1382-330217.
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