Favourite Walks - 3
One of the simplest and most enjoyable walks to do from Loch Riddon Bothy is to head out along the single track coast road. This is in fact the original road to Colintraive. If you decide to go all the way to the village it will take about an hour and a half. Of course you could just walk a little of it and then retrace your steps.
From the Bothy you walk out of the entrance, cross the road and turn left. After about 100 meters or so the coast road is clearly marked on the right and you simply head down it.
The start of the Coast Road
What makes it so special? Well, it’s pretty quiet with only the occasional vehicle. Cyclists like to use it and walkers but there are really very few of these. The best things though are the incredible views, mainly across Loch Riddon and the mountains beyond and the wildlife. Because Loch Riddon is a tidal loch you will see different wildlife according to the state of the tide – for example the osprey like to fish when the tide is fairly low. Waders also hunt for shellfish when the tide is out - the most common are oystercatchers, curlew and sandpipers. Otters frequent the waters as well as the myriad of waders, ducks and geese. In early summer one of the most entrancing sounds is that of the eider duck – they sound just like gossiping women.
It is a popular spot for sailing so there are several areas of moorings and you will probably see some lovely looking boats.
A mooring in use
On either side of the road the remnants of the temperate rainforest that used to cover the entire area can be seen. Lush growth of oaks, shrubby birch and willow as well as tangles of grass, heather and brambles. In places the trees are so thick that they create a tunnel over the road.
About half way down the road there is a rock on the right hand side, almost totally covered in moss. This is both called the Wishing Rock and the Witches Rock. Anyway, best to touch it and make a wish as you pass.
Wishing Rock under a lot of moss
Continue on and there is a layby on the crest of a small hill with a footpath leading off to the right. This path gives you access to the rocky bluff called Rubha na Croiche which is sometimes used by people fishing as the water directly beneath the rocks is so deep.
The road then winds over an old stone bridge at Fearnoch.
Bridge at Fearnoch
The next section of road is more open with fields above and below. You can see right down to the water and in the far distance is Tighnabruaich.
Looking west to Tighnabruaich across Fearnoch Bay
At the end of a long, straight stretch of road houses appear on the left and several tracks lead off to the right with houses at the end of them that you can’t see from the road. One of these buildings is Caol Ruadh, the sculpture park, which I have written about in a previous blog.
The village is getting closer and there are wonderful views down the East Kyle with the ferry making the regular crossing between Colintraive and Bute.
View down the East Kyle with the ferry slip on Bute visible on the right
A little further on the road crosses another little stone bridge and then swings round to join the main road. However if you keep going straight on down what is signed as a no through road the road does indeed peter out after the last house but a path links it to the pavement along the main road. Now you are almost in Colintraive and could enjoy something to eat or drink at the super friendly Colintraive Hotel.