Days off Around Fort William-Loch Arkaig & Dark Mile

June 2016
Having only had one actual objective for my week at Roybridge near Fort William meant Richard and I had quite a few ‘days off’ – this was one of them. It had rained most of the day but we were expecting a dry spell late afternoon so decided to find a short walk – this 5 miler was perfect!

Click on photos for full size/resolution – Richard’s digi-photos as marked

I drove us around to the carpark at the famous Cia Aig waterfall at the end of the ‘Mile Dorcha’ (Dark Mile) – the rain had almost stopped. We got out to admire the waterfall and scrambled up rough paths at the side for photos…

Then, before the midges attacked, we set off down The Dark Mile. This has always fascinated me – basically, the road is bordered by old dry-stone walls which are covered with moss – in places several inches deep. That, and the canopy of trees overhead, make this section of the walk very dark but definitely not gloomy in my opinion. I actually prefer this section of the walk on a dull day as it lends further atmosphere.

On nearing Loch Lochy in The Great Glen, the road turns and runs alongside the loch passing through the village of Bunarkaig where the Royal Marines used to train for the war – using live ammunition! 😮

After a couple of miles along the lochside, we reached the entrance to Achnacarry Estate and set off up their road – we were assuming it was okay to do so as there is a tea room up there. Richard was worried we’d be turned back though as it was after five and so would be shut. As we neared the estate houses, I saw a couple of things which tickled me…

The first was the huge root bases around the ash trees which looked like a seat!

The second was this ivied ruin – the chimney stack was all that was left of this house!

Although we hadn’t passed any turnings, after the estate buildings Richard was absolutely convinced we were heading away from the car and into the wilderness of Glen Mallie. I kept assuring him our walk was a simple triangle and, as we hadn’t passed any right turns, we were definitely heading for Loch Arkaig and my car. He stressed on until we came to this bridge over the exit of the loch (his photo)…

He then calmed down and we both settled down to take photos of the lovely, atmospheric Loch Arkaig – first photo is Richard’s down the river

We both had similar ideas on this shot but I think his is slightly better (first shot)

My photos again…

Richard’s from back on the road…

All that was left was to cross the final bridge over the outlet of the Cia Aig waterfall back to the carpark (Richard’s photo)