Salen to Slockavullin

Part 1

The morning was beautiful, with a slight heat haze, and at a comfortable temperature for cycling early on. There was just enough of a breeze to deter midges (unlike yesterday when my 50+ year old net was invaluable). The ten miles to Craignure with fresh legs were most enjoyable.

On the ferry to Oban, with phone fully charged using the USB facility at the Craignure booking office building, a departure from the usual log will be to plan ahead.

Setting off from Salen rather than from further north provides the opportunity to really enjoy the hilly NCR 78 from Oban to Taynuilt, Kilchrenan, Dalavich and Kilmartin. The wonderful weather is a bonus. Luckily, my attempt to book a tasty meal at the Kilchrennan Inn revealed that it is closed on a Tuesday and so there will be no sudden disappointment on reaching it nor the need to restrict the snacks en route. The low gears on the new bike should be perfect for the climbs ahead.

Part 2

I cannot remember a more enjoyable ten miles than the ten to Taynuilt this morning with such fine weather conditions. This photo will give you a rough idea of the hills approached.

Grahams Grocers in Taynuilt have a great selection of healthy food including tattie scones with a high tattie content, an excellent selection of oatcakes and individual items of fruit. Some time after having my apple washed for me I could still not remember anyone else providing this service and asked the grocer’s name.
“Iain Campbell.”
“My mother was Isabel Campbell.”
“So was mine.”
“Mine was christened Isabella.
“So was mine.”

The shopkeeper at the Post Office, after selling me a tasty, healthy cheese scone to go with my self-served coffee (the cafe being closed), had told me that the grocer sold tattie scones.

Part 3

From Taynuilt to a high point towards the end of Loch Awe there is much ascent, the cumulative effect of which was gruelling even travelling slowly. The last long descent, the road through Kilmartin, and then from the first right turn to this Meadow Camping site was enjoyable with recovered legs. At a stop at Kilchrennan, a local told me the whereabouts of a good wild camping site suitable for use after an evening meal at the inn, which would also split the climbing over two days.

At a tea/rest stop at the Dalavich cafe, topics of conversation included (1) Stokenchurch, (2) outdoor pursuits (a mountaineering dog in a safety harness being new to me) and (3) the Dalavich local hydro-electric power supply.

Here at today’s destination both Chris and Helen were helpful in suggesting the best way to cycle back to Lambhill. This will involve catching one ferry from Tarbert to Portavadie and another ferry from Dunoon, with scenic miles to cycle in between.