Friday 10 July 2020

To Coire an Leth -Uillt


So here we are on the Coulin Estate in Torridon, all set for our Friday nature ramble.

I pose for a moment among the fragrant bog myrtle, with Loch Clair in the background, and behind that Liathach, Torridon's most iconic, and precipitous, Munro.

Then it's across the Allt na Luib and up the path through the bracken, heather and Scots pines.

The route ascends steadily but fortunately not too steeply (Gail's hill-climbing muscles are, frankly, a bit out of practice), and after a while we emerge from the forest into open heath.

You can see the white bobbles of bog cotton in the picture below, but the myriad of little moorland flowers in bloom just now - tormentil, bog asphodel, heath bedstraw, milkwort, to name just the most abundant - do not show up well in today's pictures.

In another mile or so we reach today's destination, the shallow natural amphitheatre of the Coire an Leth -Uillt, where the path peters out and I pause to pose nicely.

You will have deduced that the route is just a tad boggy in parts.

It is 17 - 19ÂșC, a warm day by local standards, and as we descend I make a wee side trip and  treat myself to a luxurious cooling spa bath, emerging all fresh and clean...

We continue down the main path. Did I mention that it is boggy in parts?

For some reason, Gail and I are not invited in for drinks at the estate house near the end of the walk...

Happy Nature Friday friends!


21 comments:

  1. Looks great....even fording the stream. Can't imagine why you weren't invited in for a cuppa.

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  2. nice boots Bertie... what a wonderful walk!!!

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  3. Hari OM
    OMD Bertie lad... what a joy to see you in your true country once more... and how thoughtful of Gail to capture moving pictures of your 'spa'... though I wonder if you were emulating Mlle Sophie, and checking for minnows!!! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

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  4. Bertie, that water must have been quite chilly!
    You are lucky to have such a lovely place to walk.
    My human used to go on some spectacular walks when she first came to live here, and always took Duke, a previous pup, with her. Sadly, over the years, the walking group has fallen by the wayside and she says that those who are left are all too old to tramp through the hills now.
    Still I shouldn't complain, as I do get at least one early morning walk around the block, long before anyone else is out and about, or a walk along the prom. by the sea. In the heat, it's more than enough.

    Love,
    Inca xx

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    1. Gail's one experience of walking in the hills in Spain (in the beautiful Alpujarras region c.2003) involved a lot of wrong turns and complaining that the maps were not as accurate as in the UK!

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  5. What a beautiful walk and spa bath, Bertie. We absolutely think that you and Gail should have been invited for drinks!

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  6. What a gorgeous place for a walk. We wish we could go there.

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  7. Bertie I recall Munro way back during one of the Blogville games..you took a virtual hike to the top. I might sound like a broken record ...Bertie you and Gail live in an absolutely glorious area full of nature and beauty and amazing vistas. The video BOL BOL you took
    'cooling your heels' to an entirely new level.
    Well done on walking gingerly out so as to collect as much bog on your paws as possible.Clapping and cheering for your post
    Hugs cecilia

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  8. What a beautiful place to take a hike. We wish we could join you but are thankful for you to share your trip with us. You sure looked like you were enjoying your paddle in the stream.

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  9. A lovely hike today Bertie, We love your fashionable boggy boots and can't believe you weren't asked into the estate!

    We also can swear we see an additional brightness in your eyes along your cottage holiday hikes.

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  10. Oh Bertie, you're back in your element again at last!! Hooray!

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  11. We so enjoy walking along with you on your adventures. We can see why you and Gail enjoy it so much. That spa bath looks very refreshing. What's the matter with those people in the beautiful estate - they don't know what they are missing!!!

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

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  12. Another awesome walk. We swear we can smell all the wonderful scents in the air.

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  13. What a lovely walk. Gail cannot be blamed for the loss of hiking muscles in the pandemic. She chose to help keep everyone healthy and follow the restrictions. Cant wait to see more.

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  14. Bertie is definitely not a Goldie - ours would have plopped right down in that lovely stream, and then come right up close to me before she SHOOK VIGOROUSLY!!! Bertie, you are a true Gentleman

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  15. Dear Bertie,

    I cannot pronounce the names of the places you are visiting, but they look Very Beautiful! All your Walks do, but this place looks even more amazing! I am very jealous! Have fun!

    Licks,
    Cobi

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    1. Don't worry, Gail cannot pronounce the Gaelic place names either...

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  16. What a marvelous day you had! We want to wade in that stream like you did, it looks so cold and refreshing!

    Kiki and Rosie

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  17. We googled Coulin Estate in Torridon and their phone number appeared. I will call and ask them why you are not invited for drinks okie dokie.
    Sweet William The Scot

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    1. Thanks Sweet William. You're a pal!

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    2. They said you reputation precedes you! Remember though “People are almost always better than their neighbors think they are.”
      SWTS

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