Log No 72. Wed 19th Jun 2013 - Rubha na Coigeach (headland) to Ardmair, 21 miles (1204 miles walked)

An overcast start with a cool westerly, no midges so I could strike camp in peace.

Easy walking on the headland to Reiff then I used the road since it had sea views anyway.

The road came inland a bit at Altandhu to avoid a small rocky headland, so did I.

All the settlements around here are just strung out along the road.

I missed out another small headland at Achiltibui.

Just after Badenscallie I took the short road to Achduart where the map showed a coastal footpath to Ardmair.

The signpost said it went to Strathcanaird and warned it was 8 miles of mountainous terrain.

It started off easy enough and there was a picturesque stream crossing.

After that it toughened up with the slopes becoming very steep and precipitous in places.

I wouldn't have come anywhere near this if there hadn't been a footpath, it makes you wonder why and who it was created for.

There was the occasional rock scramble to enjoy and of course the dreaded wade through waist high ferns.

Thankfully it started to rain so I could put my waterproofs on, I didn't need to keep stopping now to do a tick search.

After what seemed a big detour to get across a stream at Geodha Mor I missed the path and ended up at a sheer drop. I was definitely following a path so others have obviously come this way.

It looked like it was possible to find a way down to the small bay and find a way up the other side. I walked up and down this bit twice but could find no trace of anyone else having attempted this so I had no alternative but to climb upwards.

I didn't actually need to go far before I came across the right path.

A while later the steep slopes eased off a bit but then it was climb, climb, climb before making the final descent back to sea level. I only lost the path once more in this section.

I crossed the River Runie at the bridge on the Keanchulish Estate then went on the track/road past Keanchulish House to get onto the main road.

A heavy shower started and continued the short distance to Ardmair and the campsite.

The site had a coffee shop and the menu offered an All Day Breakfast, just what I fancied, unfortunately I arrived at 17.05, 5 minutes after the cook had finished.

This last footpath had made it a hard 21 miles today, taking just over 9 hours.

Tomorrow will be a very short day to Ullapool.