MapMyRUN

Description of this Run

Loch Coille-Bhar circuit is my favourite off road run route in the area. It is just 3 miles in length and so is ideal for a recreation run or as a training run. The circuit can be run either way, but i choose the East side loop of the loch as the harder route .\\\\n\\\\nFrom the Barnlusugan Loch carpark - you run along the road to Achnamara for 250m, before taking a forest track on the right. Following the track a sharp right across some boarding takes you to a small rock step which leads you onto a undualting, narrow track along the side of the loch. This is root covered and has lots of small outcrops of rocks, so concentrating on your feet placment is important (slippy when wet). I love this part as you feel your are dancing along the trail right next to the loch, eventually you turn away from the edge and join a forest track leading to the S tip of the Loch. \\\\n\\\\nAgain a right turn off the track leads along a gravel path and up an outcrop, before a steep and slippery descent (on bare rock) across a bridge before re joining the forest track. Follow this around the head of the Loch, down, past a spur off to the left and past the old ruined watermill. You are now faced with a tough 300m ascent up to the clearing which houses Kilmory Oig- a ancient highland ruined township.\\\\n\\\\nProceeding down the track, you come to a gate at the gate take a sharp right following the good path as it meanders through the trees running along the West part of the Loch. This is great fun with small ups and down and is a beautiful section in sunlight with the light through the conifers and beech leaves dappling the trail on the side of the loch. Eventually dropping down to the field (occasional sheep grazing) at the N end of the loch, follow the clear path back to a gate opposite the start at the Barnlusugan Car park.\\\\n\\\\nFrom this point one can do a wind down circuit of Barnlusugan Loch at just under the mile. However i have added some extra challenge re an out and back and loop to reach 10k\\\\n\\\\nCrossing the road, take the west path of Barnlusugan and then take a left spur off (before the bird hide) and follow the wide forestry comsssion track as it climbs up past the Wood turners workshop and Scandanavian Eco toilet, the track then drops down uand ends at a small turning circle. You are then faced with absolutely stunning views; immeadiately to the West, Belanoch on the Crinan canal, follow the canal line to Crinan and your eye is drawn to the far distance with Scarba and the Mountains of the Isle of Mull. Sweeping round to the East, in the forefront, is the Add estuary with its magnificent meanders, Moine Moor and the straight line of the Moss Road (part of the Triathlon Bike course), in the Far distance is Dunadd Fort and on a clear day the top of Ben Cruchan near Oban. This is well worth the diversion.\\\\n\\\\nRetracing your route, back to the spur (5 miles now notched up), rejoin Barnlusugan track and after about 100m on you are faced with a choice. Continue round the loch to the Car park and finish - or enjoy! an opportunity to increase the heart rate.\\\\n\\\\nIf you take the latter your are on a very clear but at times a narrow and muddy track (The oak leaf trail) so care is required. A sharp left from the loch path takes you up some steps to a deer gate, then you are continually climbing up countless steps and hills, untill summiting at a bench (at this point you may well want to stop and enjoy the view as looking south is Loch Coille Bharrr and the tops of the Paps of Jura- magnificent. \\\\n\\\\nThe path descends quite steeply, winding through oak trees, up and down, great fun, eventually coming out above Loch Barnlusugan, you are then faced with more steps on a steep descent (ideal for lifting those knees up) before rejoining the Banlusugan Loch trail and returning back to the car park.\\\\n\\\\nCompleting all of this run totals 6.2 miles and from my Garmin 2,287 feet in total ascent a fun and tough workout.\\\\n

This Run does not have any Tags...