Heather’s Treks: Winter sunsets on the Otter Ferry Trail
The old ferry route across Loch Fyne harks back to another age when the long, circuitous route around the head of Loch Fyne by horse and carriage could be shortened by crossing the one and a half mile stretch of Loch Fyne between Otter Ferry on the east shore and West Otter Ferry on the west shore.
The word ‘Otter’ derives from the Gaelic word ‘Oitir’, meaning spit of land, rather than relating to the animal.
This is certainly logical as the long spit of land on the eastern shore is named ‘Oitir’ on OS maps to this day.
Used for some 200 years the route was finally abandoned in 1948.
Roads and transportation methods would have steadily improved and the addition of the Crinan Canal and Ardrishaig Pier in the 1830s would have opened up new possibilities for maritime traffic.
The stone quay and slipway were built in the early 1700s and are in fine condition to this day. Nearby the old ferryman’s cottage lies amongst the nearby ruins.
The start of the walk from the forestry car park has a useful signboard with further information and shows a map of the ‘Otter Ferry Trail’, as it is locally known.
The route has blue marked posts to help you stay on track. The route, however, does not include the addition
The old quay at West Otter Ferry on Loch Fyne.
given here, which leads down one of the old forestry tracks to a viewpoint which gives an excellent vantage point for mid-winter sunsets over Knapdale.
It may seem counterintuitive to choose a walk on these shores for sunsets, as one is generally facing east, but the little point lying on the east side of Port Ann gives a clear view across to Stob Odhar – Knapdale and Kintyre’s highest ‘Marilyn’ (hill with 150m drop on all sides) – and the gap just north of Cruach a’ Phubuill where the sun sets beyond.
I recommend undertaking this path clockwise if you wish to catch the sunset, just give yourself plenty of time so you can enjoy West Otter Ferry too.
Leaving the car park, take the path that heads southeast by the burn. You will follow this as it skirts round the head of Port Ann until after 600m it starts to rise.
Keep heading up the path for the next 300m until you reach a path turning left (also note
the path on your right as this is where you will be heading later).
Turn left, the path soon opens out onto a main forestry track, and you will be following this route northwards for 1km *
Keep an eye out for the marker post that indicates the path on your right.
Turn right following the path up through the trees and then southwards to the shores of Loch Fyne. As you approach the shore you will find the ruins, now somewhat hidden in the undergrowth.
Ahead, look for the path that drops left down to the old quay and slipway of West Otter Ferry; it is a lovely spot, and the stonework has stood well against the test of time.
Return to the main path and continue up a gentle incline heading southwest for 400m. Look for a turning left (the route you took earlier goes right).
Turn left down the grassy track in the trees, following it for nearly 300m where it will end abruptly.
This is where you can get some wonderful mid-winter sunsets looking down Loch Fyne across the small island of Glas Eilean before the sun tracks northwards on the horizon once again.
Return to the main path and turn left. You can follow this all the way back to the car park just under 1km away. Don’t forget your headtorch to ensure you can see your way back.
* En route you will pass another path on the left (after 500m). Should you decide that ‘Tump’ bagging is your thing then Carrick Hill is a Tump - a hill with a drop of at least 30m all round.
Give yourself plenty of extra time as the path, which veers right at an unmarked junction higher up, WILL lead you to within 150m of your goal but thereafter it is thick forestry where a compass and good navigation are required to pinpoint its summit and safely return.
A happy New Year.