Walk: Castle Aargh! via Jubilee Bridge

[Crossing the Jubilee Bridge]

A trip across the Jubilee Bridge takes you to the closest viewpoint for Castle Stalker (or for Monty Python fans: "Castle Aargh!") which doesn't involve getting on a boat. This rickety span crosses tidal marshland and dates from 1898, celebrating Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The bridge actually fails to do what it's supposed to do - the northern approach can flood at high tide - so check tide tables before you go or risk wet feet. Aargh!

[Castle Stalker]

📌 Walk: Castle Aargh! via Jubilee Bridge ★★★☆☆
▶ 4 km / 3 miles | ▲ 20 metres | ⌚ Short walk
Points of interest: Jubilee Bridge; Castle Stalker
Start / finish: Car park on minor road a mile west of Appin (not Port Appin), G.R.: NM 924465 ///watches.dinosaur.summit

Route: Car park - Jubilee Bridge - cross Glenstockdale Burn - viewpoint for Castle Stalker - return by outward route
Terrain: Good path, tarmac cycle path, track to shore then stony shoreline. Boardwalks north of Jubilee Bridge can be submerged by the highest tides; a little mud near the shore.
Wildlife today: Horses, cows, gulls, a few ripe blackberries and a very hungry caterpillar.
Weather today: 10°C or so with sunshine and a brief shower.

>> Castle Stalker ★★★☆☆

[Loch Laich at Jubilee Bridge]


Route credit: Walkhighlands

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Loup of Fintry

Image
Winding through gently scenic nowhere land between the Campsie Fells and Fintry Hills, the Endrick Water unexpectedly takes an almighty 94-foot plunge into a side-on gorge. This is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Scottish Lowlands (although Corra Linn and Grey Mare's Tail both come close), so why it's not better known is something of a mystery. Perhaps it's because the Carron Valley Reservoir upstream blocks much of the burn's catchment area, so waiting until after a period of local heavy rain is even more important than with other waterfalls. Nevertheless, this awesome cataract should be right at the top of your list.


📌Loup of Fintry ★★★★☆
Location: B818 a mile east of Carron Valley Reservoir dam, G.R.: NS 662862 ///breezy.operation.survived
Anything else? There are informal laybys on both sides of the road near Gallows Knowe with space for about 5 cars in total. Follow the signposted, muddy footpath about 300 metres to the top of the waterfall, with good…
Read more

Ardestie Earth House

Image
This stone construction a mile north of Monifieth, Angus is a good example of a souterrain: 2000+ year-old underground passageways probably built for storing food items such as grain away from heat and light. Ardestie Earth House has lost its roof; on the bright side, this allows visitors to admire the quality of workmanship and the layout of the tunnels without having to crawl through them. The structure here comes with small, coetaneous buildings directly adjacent, with access to the souterrain from one of them. The larger Carlungie Earth House is a few miles east,


📌 Ardestie Earth House★☆☆☆☆
Location: B962 a mile north of Monifieth, G.R.: NO 502344 ///pixies.singing.perfumed
Open (2019): April to October (all hours)
Cost: Free


Read more

Walk: Gigha's Creag Bhan

Image
You may well never have heard of Gigha (pronounced GEE-uh), even if you live in Scotland. It's a small island owned wholly by its own community, separated from the west coast of Kintyre by the Sound of Gigha. After a few difficult decades, it now has a growing population despite being one of southern Scotland's most isolated places. The island is traversed by a single, quiet road; if you only have a few hours here, a wander along it to the island's highest point at Creag Bhan is recommended, with a rougher track and hill path for the final mile. On a clear day, the views of Islay, Jura, Kintyre, Arran and Ireland from the summit take some beating. Refreshments available (except in low season) at The Boathouse near the start.


📌 Walk: Gigha's Creag Bhan ★★★☆☆
▶ 6 km / 4 miles | ▲ 130 metres | ⌚ Short walk
Main summits: Creag Bhan (101 metres)
Start / finish: Ardminish jetty, Isle of Gigha, G.R.: NR 654491 ///pram.foot.trousers

Route: Jetty - Ardminish - Druimyeon More - le…
Read more