19/10/2020 0 Comments From Glen to Glen
Beautiful native woodland followed the same burns that we did. Ancient trees, some protected behind deer fences and some not. The regrowth was wonderful and the glens were filled with greenery. On we walked, the miles disappearing with seemingly no effort. Soon we were passing the houses at Coulin, and stopped to talk to some cattle and Highland ponies. The grass here was lush and green, Loch Coulin wound its way down the narrow glen and it was entirely picture perfect. We stopped for a quick bite to eat - the crisps and chocolate disappearing quickly. As before, once we gained some height we could see the entire route that we'd walked that day. Clear path disappeared behind us as we went up the side of Carn Dhomhnuill Mhic a' Ghobha. The weather was soft and all felt good. Beinn Eighe was shrouded in clouds, a megalith that only showed herself once we were closer to the river of A'Ghairbhe. Here the woodlands were spectacular. Ancient granny pines stood proud above the younger trees. The calls of the birds as they flitted through the branches brought a smile to both our faces. Although where we walked was outside the National Nature Reserve, the estate is clearly managed with conservation in mind, and the place is beautiful for it. Remaining on the drove road, we left the main path (which would have meant walking along the road), and wandered through much less visited woodland. Even though this made the walking trickier, it was worth it, and the treasures to be found in this quiet area were many.
Once we'd eaten we set off to find a camp. We were booked into the Kinlochewe Hotel for a meal that night (timely as my six year old camping stove had broken the morning before when we were in the oakwood - how long ago that seems now) and so we needed to be close enough to the village to walk back to camp in the dark. We found the most perfect spot in a hazel wood at the side of the Abhainn Bruachaig, tucked in next to the banking. We were fairly close to houses, and slightly nervous of dog walkers using the way, but had no problems at all. The rain hit just as we pitched our tent, until then we'd had sunshine and cloud, and so our day had been timed perfectly. Seeking shelter, we retreated into the cosiness and I ended up having a wonderful afternoon nap. Thoughts of all we'd seen and done filtered through my dreams. What perfection there was in our walking, our journeying: what utter perfection.
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