This week’s walks

LOCHABER AND LORN RAMBLERS

The walk leader is to be contacted beforehand for meet-up and start times. Car sharing usually possible and people can try before they buy. Further information at www. lochaberandlorn-ramblers.org.uk. Lochaber and Lorn Ramblers Group can be contacted by email on info@ lochaberandlorn-ramblers.org.uk

Sunday March 24:

River Creran to Glen Ure and Elleric, Glen Creran

A walk in the broad strath of lower Glen Creran and, in complete contrast, an ascent on an easy track up the narrow defile of neighbouring Glen Ure, above its spectacular gorge set between steep rocky slopes.

Start from the road bridge over River Creran estuary at the head of Loch Creran, NN007460.

Limited off-road parking is available in the vicinity. Head SE for 400m then turn onto a track that leads NE beside or near the river, past Taraphocain and Loch Baile Mhic Challein. A small island off the opposite shore is thought to be a Crannog.

Continue NE to the junction and bridge at the foot of Glen Ure. Take the right fork and follow the track into Glen Ure, soon climbing up a steady gradient with views into the gorge. The track disappears at Airigh nan Lochan. Return down the track and turn N over the bridge to Glenure. Follow the estate road to the CP at Elleric at the end of the public road, NN036488. Transport required 11mins from start.

Distance: 15km; height to climb: 250m; map(s): LR50, EX384. Meet at N Ballachulish school at 9.45am or Longsdale CP, Oban, at 9.55am for start of walk at 10.30am. Leader: Ronnie Forbes 01866 822 611.

Thursday March 28:

Ben Lui by Stob Garbh, Dalrigh

One of the finest hills in the Highlands, alpine in character with its NE facing corrie holding snow well into the spring.

Start from the CP off the A82 at Dalrigh, NN344291. Head W on a track, pass under the railway and continue to Cononish. The track continues W for a further 2.5Km, ending at the Allt an Rund.

Cross the burn and head SW up into Coire Gaothach on a path on the NW side of the Allt Coire Gaothach. At 650m alt, NN273267, turn NW and climb up the nose of the spur of Stob Garbh. A zig-zag path may be found. The spur narrows to a ridge which becomes steeper until it reaches the cairn on the NW Top of Ben Lui, 1,127m. The main summit, 1,130m lies 130m SE along a level ridge. Return to the cairn and descend the NW ridge to about 980m alt, then curve W down the fall-line to the edge of a conifer plantation at NN250269. Follow the forest path NW down to cross the Eas Daimh. Follow the burn W to pass under the railway to the bank of the River Lochy. Ford the river and follow the path to the CP at NN239278. Transport required 12Km from start.

Distance: 14km; height to climb: 990m; map(s): LR50, EX377. Meet at Longsdale CP, Oban, at 8.25am or Glencoe village car park at 8.40am for start of walk at 9.30am. Leader: Andrew Gilbert 07808 924722.

NEVIS HILLWALKING CLUB

Full walk details at www.nevis hillwalking.club. If anyone would like to go out on the walk please contact club secretary Suzanne Theobald on 01397 701783 or email enquiries@nevishillwalking.club.

Saturday March 23:

Four Munros, Pass of Drumochter

In a change from the usual routes, this Saturday sees hikers being invited to choose whether or not to do one, two, three or four Munros. Distances vary according to how many Munros are attempted, with the height to climb varying accordingly. The Oban Times does not have sufficient room here to publish all the information but full details are on the club’s website (see address above).

Suggested and coordinated by Andrew Gilbert.