Lochaline - Ardtornish Castle

Lochaline

Up early and a short cycle before breakfast. My plan was to go down the eastern side of Loch Aline to the ruins of Ardtornish castle.
I decided to have a cycle around the estate before heading down the dirt track alongside Loch Aline. The tide was well out and left muddy section dotted with low tide pools. 

Tides Out

The estate are filling in some of the big holes in the track but a long way to go. The MTB's suspension handles these with minimum discomfort.
It is a beautiful blue sky morning which is reflected on the water giving great views across to Lochaline. Two boats are heading out from their moorings but still a lot of craft, all shapes and sizes moored up to their orange buoys.

One of the estates holiday cottages is just here, an excellent chance of spotting an otter if you stayed in it. The number of herons along the waters edge is staggering, there must be excellent feeding for them.
I now come onto the netting repair factory but all is deserted and looking run down, maybe it has been a victim of the economic climate affecting the salmon fish farming industry.
The track comes to a sharp U bend with excellent views across the water to Lochaline village, the ferry terminal and the sand mine. There are a couple of cottages and one at least is artistic, metal sculptures abound. I particularly liked this one of the dog looking down at the boat.

Sculptured dog watches over boat

The way ahead is blocked by a rather large fence which thankfully can be opened. A police warning poster is attached re potential prosecution about the danger of dogs worrying livestock, keep them on the lead is the message.
As expected it is now open countryside with sheep and cows in the fields. Thankfully the cows are behind proper enclosures but the sheep are ambivalent about me and just lie in my path.

Ferry coming over from Mull

Stunning views are all around: The Sound of Mull; The island of Mull; the Morvern coastline. The ferry is crossing from Fishnish to Lochaline. I spend a few minutes scanning the open waters but no whales or dolphins to be seen today.

Ardtornish Castle

The ruined castle lies ahead, on a promontory, towards the shoreline as we look but I would need to leave the bike and trek across the fields, not for today. The castle has great historical significance as the home of the last Lord of the Isles, the Clan Donald and some murky doings, typical of the clan system and of Scotland's status with England.
I return the way I came. The ride this morning was around 10 miles but if you were coming from the village it would be extended by another 6 miles or so. For the really fit there is a challenging off road detour from the estate buildings heading to Loch Tearnait and beyond if you are capable.
But for me breakfast beckons and a bucket list trip to the Ardnamurchan lighthouse, yahoo.