After the day off, my route out of Oban returned to NCN78, heading East towards Taynuilt where I stopped for a cuppa and to get a few provisions. The morning's walk took me through Glen Lonan, which has a different, lusher feel, with woods, fields and isolated farmhouses. I've since discovered that it is part of 'The Road of Kings,' famed as the ancient funeral route of Scotland's Kings to their final resting place on the island of Iona. There are also remains of Bronze Age settlements, including some standing stones.
East from Taynuilt, the road and railway both follow the north side of the River Awe which gradually opens up into Loch Awe itself. Both sides of the river are steep, so i was a little concerned about where I might find a suitable spot to camp (there being no campsites, nor suitably priced accommodation) so was pleased to spot a large enough piece of shore just south of Lochawe village.
My largely peaceful night was interrupted by the sound of rainfall, which became the main feature of Saturday's walk to Inverary. Pick your favourite synonym for wet, and it was all that and more. I'd have loved to have shared something of the Awe-some views en route but there were none, just the wet stuff.
My home for the night is Inverary Hostel, right on the edge of the town, itself on the west side of Loch Fyne. I'm hoping to have a look around tomorrow before heading towards Lochgoilhead where former colleagues are staying for a few days, have made contact in the last couple of days, and invited me to join them in a holiday lodge there as I pass through.
Just to show that the rain did eventually clear...the 'Vital Spark,' a nationally recognised historic ship, now sits at the pier in Inverary just along from my bed for the night.
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