Log No 119. Mon 2nd Sep 2013 - Tayvallich to Point of Knap, 20 miles (1852 miles walked)

The wind which battered the tent through the night had died down by the morning but it was still a miserable day with low cloud/mist and drizzle.

I have been pretty lucky so far in that most wet mornings the rain has held off while I took the tent down. Today was no exception and the rain started again as soon as I set off at 08.00.

A campervan stopped and asked if I wanted a lift, they had stayed next to my tent in the campsite although I hadn't spoken to them as they had arrived late in the evening. They were Georgie & Mike from Fishguard up to visit an aunt, they gave me a donation and offered me a bed when I get down to Fishguard.

The first 2 hours were on the road then an all too brief 30 minutes on tracks through Knapdale Forest.

I went by the remains of an old settlement which was apparently established in the 16c and abandoned in the 19c fishing and farming the fertile land, which seems hard to believe when you see it covered in trees now.

The track went round one side of Loch Coille-Bharr and there were signs and viewing points for hopefully seeing Beavers which have been re-introduced in this Forest. I didn't see one.

Back on the road I was now heading southwest and into the rain which was now heavier, the 4 rams in a field obviously thought I was daft to be out in this weather, I couldn't agree more.

This road, alongside Loch Sween, was effectively a No Through Road 11 miles long with no watering holes for a weary traveler, I had to make do with a telephone kiosk by the road junction to the remains of Castle Sween and it was a bit of a squeeze with the rucsac. 5 hours and still no let-up in the rain.

The road continued past Kilmory, which had an old chapel, before ending at Balimore Cottage.

I was surprised by the number of holiday chalets down this road but then that is maybe just my view in the dismal weather.

A gated track continued from the end of the road and went round and through the hill to Ellary on Loch Caolisport.

I was just aiming to stop for the day somewhere along the track and found a spot by 15.00, the rain having all but stopped now.

The condition of the track was not great and I was surprised to see 3 4x4's drive along it, it may be used as a short cut.

While I was pitching the tent I heard voices ahead and then Nick and his family appeared. They were from Dunstable up for a weeks holiday and had actually just driven past me on their way to the end of the road to do this walk.

20 miles today but a shorter day tomorrow to make use of a campsite.