The Herald - The Herald Magazine
Carradale cracker On the hill of the
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IHAVE many fond memories of the Argyll village of Carradale. That was the base of our Sea Scout summer camps, away back in the 1960s when we’d sail down the Firth of Clyde to Campbeltown. As Sea Scouts our focus was mostly on water sports – sailing and canoeing – but rising above the village, beyond the ancient trees, lay the local high point, Cnoc nam Gabhar, the rock of the goat, although it’s signposted locally as Hill of the Deer.
I recall being hauled up the hill as part of a little expedition for some Scout badge, but it was nice to visit it again with more enthusiasm and see how Forestry Scotland has turned the route into a lovely wee hillwalk.
We parked at the Port na Storm car park, which you’ll find by turning left just before you enter the village of Carradale.
Hoping the name of the car park wasn’t a forecast for the weather we set off with waterproofs on because of a thin west coast drizzle that had drips coming off every branch on the trees. It wasn’t cold though and as we climbed the weather slowly improved.
As I mentioned this walk is marked on local maps as Hill of the Deer and is waymarked with red-topped signposts. We passed through a gate and followed a broad forest track as it climbed fairly gently above the approach road to Carradale.
We soon passed a track that fell away to our left. This led down to the excellent Carradale Network Centre and cafe and would be an alternative start point, although the parking isn’t as spacious as the Port na Storm car park. However, it you wanted a brew and some great cake after your walk, this is the place. Check for reopening details first, though.
Shortly after this junction we left the main path and started