So… the sun had come out and the moody clouds had vanished. It was getting on for midday and I racked my brain for a location to suit the weather conditions. Then it struck me. I had virtually dismissed Loch Tulla earlier that day, but it would be a perfect candidate, especially now the wind had died down. It was still in my Sat Nav, so after photographing Black Rock cottage, I found myself turning right on to the A82, heading for the bridge of Orchy. It wasn’t far until I was directed to turn right and over the little river. The single-track road turned back on itself before bearing left through some pretty woods. I wish I had been able to enjoy them more, but I was too busy trying to avoid the potholes. My instructions said to look for a kissing gate where a short walk would lead me to a stunning view across the loch. I found it, but the only place to park was a quarter of a mile away. No matter, it was good to walk for a while, although I still had to dodge the potholes.
On the other side of the gate, I realised things weren’t going to be that easy. The ground was very boggy and even wearing wellies, I had to be careful where I put my feet. The lone pine tree was about 100 yards away, but getting there was like an assault course. Thankfully the ideal viewpoint was on a small hill and I was able to set up my tripod on solid ground. The image is the one featured at the top.
Afterwards, I squelched down to the water’s edge and managed to find some foreground interest in these two rocks.
After a delightful lunch at the hotel where I had parked up, I made my way back down the A82 looking for the Pass of Glencoe. It was going to be a tough climb, but it had been something I was determined to do, ever since I read the story. In the end, it was even harder than expected, but some twenty minutes later I found myself standing at a memorial. Ralston Claud Muir was a local train driver, who loved to climb the mountains. He was taken ill suddenly on Christmas Day 1999 and died on 10th January 2000, from leukaemia, which he didn’t know he had. He was just 32 years old. His brother has said Ralston would have loved the attention his cairn receives from passing walkers and photographers. Conditions were far from ideal, with the sun glaring down and a strong wind blowing, but I took an image anyway. “These are my mountains and I have come home”.
I ended the day by visiting the shipwreck at Corpach, near Fort William. Her real name is MV Dayspring. Due to a chain failure during a heavy storm, she ran aground on 8th December 2011 and has lain there ever since. The loch is one of many that are tidal.
