Geo-Trips :: Glendaruel to Tighnabruaich via Bealachandrain and Otter Ferry, return via Ormidale
Otter Ferry
A cycle ride from Bealachandrain, Tue, 17 Aug 2021 by Thomas Nugent
A 61 year old man's refusal to accept that his cycling days in the Cowal hills are behind him. A ride that I last endured exactly half my lifetime ago in mid 1990, when the Bealachandrain hill was climbed from the 'easy' side at Otter ferry.
The trip actually started and ended at Inverkip. The ferry from Wemyss Bay took me to Rothesay from where I cycled the sixteen miles to Glendaruel via a second ferry to Colintraive. The return from Glendaruel was made over the three climbs to Dunoon, from where a final ferry took me to Gourock and a five mile ride back to Inverkip in fading light. A round trip of around eighty (mostly hilly) miles.
I'm looking forward to doing it again next year.
Click the blue circles to see a photograph taken from that spot and read further information about the location. The blue lines indicate the direction of view. There is also a slideshow of this trip. ( )
↓ Scroll down here ↓
The B836 road
The top of the hill from Stronafian to Loch Striven. The distant hills are on the... more
Steep hill at Bealachandrain
The steepest stretch of the C11 Otter Hill Road is this 1:5 (20%) climb... more
Steep hill at Bealachandrain
Grass and moss in the middle of the road above the Bealachandrain hairpin bend on... more
Passing place on Otter Hill Road
Passing places are few and far between on the narrow, winding C11 Otter Hill Road... more
An Cnap from Otter Hill Road
The deforested 243m hill as seen from the C11 Otter Hill Road.
Otter Hill Road
One of the many steep sections of the east end of the C11 Otter Hill Road.
Otter Hill Road
The east end of the C11 Otter Hill Road which runs from Clachan of Glendaruel to... more
Power lines at Otter Hill Road
The power lines and the road compete for space and the easiest route up the steep... more
Otter Hill Road
One of the many steep bends on the east side of the hill.
Passing place on Otter Hill Road
Approaching the top of the hill from the east side.
Otter Hill Road
Approaching the top of the climb from the east side.
Otter Hill Road
Approaching the top of the climb from the east side.
Otter Hill Road
Approaching the top of the climb from the east side.
Otter Hill Road
Nearing the top of the climb from the east side.
Otter Hill Road
A short descent between the two peaks of the road.
Otter Hill Road
A forest road crosses at this 'flat' section of the road between the two peaks.
Forestry roads off Otter Hill Road
At the top of the hill.
Otter Hill Road
A forestry road briefly runs parallel at the top of the hill.
Otter Hill Road
Approaching the top of the hill and the descent towards Otter Ferry.
Otter Hill Road
The start of the descent to Otter Ferry and Loch Fyne, a glimpse of which can be... more
Tam's Tool Store, Tighnabruaich
On the seafront, near the lifeboat station.
Loch Fyne from Otter Hill Road
Near the top of the descent of the west side of the hill.
Loch Fyne from Otter Hill Road
Loch Gilp can be seen beyond Castleton headland. Taken near the top of the descent... more
Corra Farm
At the west end of Otter Hill Road, near the junction with the B8000 at Otter Ferry.
Otter Hill Road
Approaching Corra Farm from the east.
Otter Hill Road
Looking up the hill near Corra Farm.
Field off Otter Hill Road
Viewed from just above Corra Farm. Loch Fyne in the distance.
Deforested hill near Otter Hill Road
The 120m Tom an Sgulain, near Corra Farm.
Corra Farm
Seen through trees from slightly higher up Otter Hill Road.
Otter Hill Road
Descending through woodland towards Otter Ferry.
Otter Hill Road
Descending through woodland towards Otter Ferry.
Field near Corra Farm
With Loch Fyne in the distance.
Field near Corra Farm
With Loch Fyne in the distance.
Otter Hill Road
The west end of the road, where it meets the B8000.
Signs near Otter Ferry
Showing 16 miles to Strachur via Otter Ferry.
The B8000 road near Otter Ferry
At the junction with Otter Hill Road.
Loch Fyne
Viewed from the B8000 road above Otter Ferry.
The B8000 road near Otter Ferry
Just above the hamlet.
Loch Fyne at Otter Ferry
Viewed from the B8000 road at the old schoolhouse.
The Old Schoolhouse, Otter Ferry
By the side of the B8000 road.
Argyll's Secret Coast
A tourist road sign by the B8000 at Otter Ferry.
Beach at Otter Ferry
Looking west along the beach near the pier.
Oitir at Otter Ferry
Oitir is the Gaelic name for a spit or sandbar. The one shown here is just under a... more
Beach at Ballimore
A short section of low sea wall runs along the shore here.
Road junction at Otter Ferry
Stay on the B8000 for Tighnabruaich, turn left for the single track hill road to... more
The B8000 road near Otter Ferry
Approaching the woodland at Barr Gamhaim.
The B8000 road near Otter Ferry
Passing through woodland near Auchnaha. The large speck to the lower right of... more
The B8000 road near Otter Ferry
Approaching the telephone exchange at Auchnaha, the roof of which is visible in... more
The B8000 road near Otter Ferry
A bend in the road at Auchnaha.
The B8000 road near Otter Ferry
The track to Auchnaha can just be seen on the left.
Log piles by the B8000 road
Sizeable log piles just south of Auchnaha.
Forestry safety notices
By the side of the B8000 road at the start of a recently cut forestry road.
The B8000 road near Otter Ferry
Approaching the top of yet another hill on the road to Tighnabruaich.
Log piles by the B8000 road
Waiting for collection near the roadside south of Auchnaha.
Log piles by the B8000 road
Waiting for collection near the roadside south of Auchnaha.
Log piles by the B8000 road
Waiting for collection near the roadside south of Auchnaha.
Log piles by the B8000 road
High above the road, south of Auchnaha.
The B8000 road
Passing through recently felled woodland south of Auchnaha.
Deforestation by the B8000
One or two deciduous trees escaped the chainsaws.
Deforestation by the B8000
One or two deciduous trees escaped the chainsaws.
The B8000 road
A bend south of Auchnaha.
Deforestation by the B8000 road
Some windfalls can be seen on the horizon.
The B8000 road
Twisting and winding its way towards Tighnabruaich.
Deforestation by the B8000 road
Stacks of logs can be seen on the hill.
Deforestation by the B8000 road
Stacks of logs can be seen on the hill.
Loch Fyne
Looking across young fir trees towards Kilfinan Bay from the B8000 road.
The B8000 road
Looking towards Kilfinan.
The B8000 road
Heading towards Kilfinan.
The B8000 road
The road can safely be described as narrow and winding.
Ferns and Loch Fyne
Looking towards the loch from a welcome break in the trees by the B8000 road.
The B8000 road
A bend in the road near Lindsaig Mill.
Lindsaig
Viewed from the B8000 road.
Jock's Lodge and Ach a' Chòis
The lodge is the white cottage, with Ach a' Chòis on the horizon.
Loch Fyne from the B8000 Road
Looking over fields and a small woodland near Tigh-an-rathaid.
Kilfinan sign
By the B8000 road at the north end of the hamlet.
Kilfinan Hotel
A fairly large establishment given the size of the hamlet.
The Chapel
A former church on the hillside just off the B8000 road south of Kilfinan.
Milepost by the B8000 road
Showing eight miles to Tighnabruaich.
Milepost by the B8000 road
Showing eight miles to Tighnabruaich. Loch Fyne can be seen in the distance.
The B8000 road
Heading south at the entrance to Drum.
Creag Mhòr
Viewed from the B8000 road.
Trees by the B8000 road
Just south of the junction for Ardmarnock.
Trees by the B8000 road
Just south of the junction for Ardmarnock.
Milestone at Melldalloch
Six miles to Tighnabruaich on the B8000 road.
Milestone at Melldalloch
Six miles to Tighnabruaich on the B8000 road.
The B8000 road
Climbing the hill at Melldalloch.
The B8000 road
Approaching the top of the hill south of Loch Melldalloch.
The B8000 road
Approaching the top of the hill south of Loch Melldalloch.
The B8000 road
Approaching a bend at the 4 miles to Tighnabruaich milepost.
Milepost by the B8000 road
Four miles to Tighnabruaich.
Milepost by the B8000 road
The milepost (4 miles to Tighnabruaich) is on the left. See also [[6955225]].
Strategic Timber Transport Scheme sign
By the side of the B8000 road north of Millhouse.
Auchoirk Farm
By the B8000 road north of Millhouse.
Flags at Millhouse
Two Scottish saltires and one Greek flag on the approach to Millhouse from the... more
Millhouse
Looking south on the B8000 road.
Entrance to Millhouse Cemetery
Note the Dolphin Bell and cannon to the right of centre. These came from the... more
Former gunpowder works magazine, Millhouse
Seen from the B8000 road near Millhouse Cemetery.
See also [[6992893]].
Read... more
The B8000 road near Millhouse
North east of Millhouse, on the way to kames and Tghnabruaich.
Approaching Kames on the B8000 road
Dropping down the hill towards the coast.
Tighnabruaich Service Station
On the coast by the B8000 road.
Tighnabruaich Lifeboat Station
RNLI Inshore Rescue Boat station, by the B8000 road at Waterside.
Tighnabruaich Pier
The Category B Listed pier... more
Port Driseach
On the north side of Tighnabruaich.
The A8003 road out of Tighnabruaich
The road climbs steeply for around three miles from the coast at Tighnabruaich to... more
The A8003 road out of Tighnabruaich
A passing place on the hill out of Tighnabruaich.
Communications mast at Creag Rubha Bhain
On top of the 157m hill above Tighnabruaich.
Rock art by the A8003 road out of Tighnabruaich
At the entrance to a roadside car park.
The A8003 road out of Tighnabruaich
The hill is the 297m high An Creagan.
The A8003 road out of Tighnabruaich
Looking across a bend in the road to the viewpoint over the Kyles of Bute and Loch Riddon.
The A8003 road out of Tighnabruaich
Looking north from the lay-by at the Loch Riddon viewpoint, where the road peaks... more
The A8003 road
Descending northwards towards Shellfield.
The A8003 road near Ormidale
Nearing the north end of the road.
The A8003 road
Looking towards the bridge over the River Ruel at the north end of the road, near... more
Postbox at Ormidale
By the side of the A8003 road. See also [[6972784]].
Postbox at Ormidale
By the side of the A8003 road. See also [[6972782]].
Rothesay Pavilion
Work to renovate the Category A Listed building... more
Colintraive, Kyles of Bute
Viewed from the shore near Rhubodach Farm on Bute.
Way-marked route at Rhubodach Cottage
Balnakailly Loop, leading to the West Island Way. See also [[6973981]].
Fingerpost route sign
Balnakailly Loop, leading to the West Island Way. See also [[6973976]].
Bute Cycle Network sign
Showing cycling time from Rhubodach ferry terminal (as opposed to distance) to... more
Rhubodach ferry terminal
At the north end of the A886 road on the isle of Bute. The same road continues... more
Balnakailly Forest Walk signs
Near the ferry terminal at Rhubodach.
Rhubha a Bhodaich
A small headland just north of the Rhubodach ferry.
Rhubodach ferry terminal
The ferry can be seen at Colintraive on the opposite bank.
Yacht in the Kyles of Bute
Coming close to the ferry which is about to leave Rhubodach for Colintraive.
Ferry at Colintraive
A Black of Dunoon lorry leaving the ferry Loch Dunvegan, having just made the... more
The Kyles of Bute
Looking towards the Isle of Bute and the Rhubodach ferry slipway from the B866... more
The Burnt Islands
In the Kyles of Bute near Colintraive. Viewed from the B866 road at Glachavoil.
The B866 road at Loch Riddon
A patch of Skunk Cabbage can be seen on the left. See also [[6978368]].
Skunk Cabbage by the B866 road at Loch Riddon
By the roadside near Eilean Dearg, see also [[6978366]].
The River Ruel
Looking upstream from the bridge near Bealachandrain.
Angler on the River Ruel
Just upstream from the bridge near Bealachandrain.
The River Ruel
Looking downstream from the bridge near Bealachandrain. The old road to... more
Bridge over the River Ruel
A Category B Listed bridge... more
Bridge over the River Ruel
Category B Listed http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB11808 by... more
The old road at Glendaruel
The road was superseded by the A886 in the mid 1970s. This stretch now forms part... more
The old road at Glendaruel
The road was superseded by the A886 in the mid 1970s. This stretch now forms part... more
The old road at Glendaruel
The road was superseded by the A886 in the mid 1970s. This stretch now forms part... more
Bealachandrain Farm
The steepest part of the hill road to Otter Ferry can be seen as the treeline... more
Otter Ferry
The shore east of the old pier, viewed from the old pier.
The shore at Otter Ferry
Looking east, up Loch Fyne, from the old pier.
The old pier at Otter Ferry
Looking east, up Loch Fyne.
Otter Ferry
The Oystercatcher pub and restaurant stands pretty much on the shore. Seen here... more
Shore at Otter Ferry
Looking east and up Loch Fyne, past the old pier.
Yacht off Otter Ferry
Just off the old pier.
The shore at Otter Ferry
The oitir (spit) which gives the hamlet its name extends out into Loch Fyne on the right.
Ballimore Bothy, Otter Ferry
A recently completed bothy for mariners and other active tourists. An earlier... more
The Oystercatcher, Otter Ferry
The Oystercatcher pub and restaurant stands pretty much on the shore.... more
Loch Fyne at Otter Ferry
Looking east towards the old pier.
Loch Fyne at Otter Ferry
Just east of the old pier and Oystercatcher pub.
Private road at Otter Ferry
Leads from the old pier to Otter Estate.
The road to Ballimore
The private road heading south along the Loch Fyne shore towards Ballimore is... more
The road to Ballimore
Looking north along the private road, back towards Otter Ferry.
Holiday lodge at Ballimore
One of several along the private road in the estate.
Ballimore Oyster Farm
Part of the oyster farm in Loch Fyne, at Ballimore Estate, Otter Ferry.
Ballimore Oyster Farm
Part of the oyster farm in Loch Fyne, at Ballimore Estate, Otter Ferry.
The B8000 road at Otter Ferry
Heading north east along the shore of Loch Fyne, away from Otter Ferry.
The B8000 road at Otter Ferry
Heading north east along the shore of Loch Fyne, away from Otter Ferry.
The old pier at Otter Ferry
Viewed from the B8000 road.
The old pier at Otter Ferry
Looking along the B8000 road to Otter Ferry from the north east.
Milestone at Otter Ferry
Showing "To Dunoon 22", which is still fairly accurate today, via the... more
Milestone at Otter Ferry
Showing "To Dunoon 22", which is still fairly accurate today, via the... more
Small quarry at Otter Ferry
By the B8000 road, near the junction with the hill road to Glendaruel. Shown as... more
The B8000 road
Near Cnoc na Corra, just outside Otter Ferry.
Field near Otter Ferry
On the south slope of Cnoc na Corra.
The B8000 road
Just north of Kilfinan.
Bridge over the Kilfinan Burn
Carries the B8000 road over the burn, just north of Kilfinan.
Passing place on the B8000 road
Just north of Kilfinan.
Kilfinan
Approaching the hamlet from the north on the B8000 road.
St Finan's Church, Kilfinan
Parts of the Category B Listed building... more
St Finan's Church, Kilfinan
Parts of the Category B Listed building... more
St Finan's Church
Parts of the Category B Listed building... more
Kilfinan Community Hall
A nice hall for such a small community. Complete with a defibrillator on the... more
Kilfinan Community Hall defibrillator
On the front wall of the building [[6981080]].
Kilfinan War Memorial
By the B8000 road which runs through the hamlet.
Kilfinan War Memorial
See also [[6981097]].
Kilfinan
Viewed from the B8000 road at the War Memorial.
The Old Post Office, Kilfinan
A charming old building, built around 1700, by the B8000 road at the south end of... more
The Old Post Office, Kilfinan
A charming old building, built around 1700, by the B8000 road at the south end of... more
Kilfinan
The south end of the hamlet on the B8000 road at the Old Post Office.
The Old Post Office, Kilfinan
A charming old building, built around 1700, by the B8000 road at the south end of... more
North Lodge and gates
One of the lodges for Otter House, by the B8000 road at the south side of Kilfinan.
B8000 West Cowal Timber Road sign
At the south side of Kilfinan.
Kilfinan Farm
South of Kilfinan, viewed from the B8000 road.
The B8000 road near South Lodge
South Lodge (of Otter House) can be seen in the distance.
The B8000 road at Kilfinan
A rare stretch of the road, looking south from the War Memorial.
Road to The Chapel
A converted church off the B8000 road, between Kames and Kilfinan.
Available... more
Farmland south of Kilfinan
With Loch Fyne in the distance.
Cattle grazing south of Kilfinan
With Loch Fyne in the background.
Passing place on the B8000 road
Near Annfield Cottage, south of Kilfinan.
Farmland south of Kilfinan
With Loch Fyne in the distance, viewed from the B8000 road.
Cottage by the B8000 road
On an elelvated site, overlooking Loch Fyne.
The B8000 road at Drum
The road cuts through a strip wood at this point.
Deer fence by the B8000 road
Just north of Drum Farm.
Farmland near Drums Farm
A strip wood runs down to Loch Fyne on the right.
Farmland near Drums Farm
A strip wood runs down to Loch Fyne on the right.
Passing place on the B8000 road
Looking north, near Drums Farm.
Deer fence by the B8000 road
A gate and a potential ladder just north of Drums Farm.
Ach Chreagach
A 107 metre hill near Drums Farm.
The B8000 road
What appears to be a fairly new passing place, near Drums Farm.
Log lorry on the B8000 road
The empty P. McKerral & Co Ltd lorry is heading north on the designated West... more
The B8000 road
Heading south near Drum Cottage.
Corr Mheall
The 87m hill, viewed from the B8000 road, near Drum Cottage.
Farmland near Drum Cottage
Rough grazing, viewed from the B8000 road. Loch Fyne is in the distance.
The B8000 road
Winding and dipping as it heads south at Drum Cottage.
The B8000 road
Approaching a bend south of Drums.
The B8000 road
A bend just south of Drums.
Creag Mhòr
Viewed from the B8000 road.
Corr Mheall
The 87m hill as seen from the B8000 road.
The B8000 road
Heading south towards Melldalloch.
Course of the River Auchalick
The river can't be seen from the B8000 road, but its course can be discerned by... more
The B8000 road
A bend in the road near Auchanaskeioch.
Deer fence near Auchanaskeioch
Alongside the B8000 road.
Drystane dyke
A damaged dyke alongside the B8000 road.
Wind damaged plantation
Some mature trees at the edge of the forest at Melldalloch have fallen victim to the wind.
Overhanging trees near Melldalloch
What appears to be a single tree is actually a group of three, overhanging the B8000 road.
The road to Crispie
Crispie Estate https://www.crispie.co.uk/ on the shore of Loch Fyne is at the end... more
Passing place on the B8000 road
Just north west of Melldalloch.
Creag an Fhithich
The 185m high hill, viewed from the B8000 road, which the sign on the left... more
Craig-Na-Feich Dam
Viewed from the B8000 road.
The B8000 road
Just south of the Craig-Na-Feich Dam.
Course of the Craignafeoch Burn
The burn runs in the dip in the middle distance.
Summit on the B8000 road
Approaching the 135m spot height, just south of the Craig-Na-Feich Dam.
The B8000 road
Holy Isle (extreme left distance) and the mountains of Arran provide the stunning... more
The B8000 road
Holy Isle (extreme centre distance) and the mountains of Arran provide the... more
The B8000 road
Approaching the series of bends north of Millhouse.
Former gunpowder works magazine, Millhouse
Seen from the B8000 road near Auchoirk. Kyles of Bute golf club is in the... more
Course of the Craignafeoch Burn
The burn runs amongst the trees in the middle distance. The former gunpowder works... more
The B8000 road north of Millhouse
A bend in the road near the brow a hill.
Former gunpowder works at Millhouse
The works were once fairly extensive for a village the size of Millhouse.
The... more
Former gunpowder works at Millhouse
The works were once fairly extensive for a village the size of Millhouse.
The... more
Former gunpowder works at Millhouse
The works were once fairly extensive for a village the size of Millhouse.
The... more
Former gunpowder works, Millhouse
The works were once fairly extensive for a village the size of Millhouse. This was... more
Former gunpowder works, Millhouse
The works were once fairly extensive for a village the size of Millhouse. This was... more
Millhouse
Approaching the crossroads on the B8000 from the north. The B800 makes a left turn... more
Millhouse Crossroads
The B8000 road behind the camera makes a left turn and has priority through the... more
Road signs at Millhouse
The crossroads has been modified over the years to make it a pair of T junctions.... more
House at Millhouse
On the junction of the B800 road and the minor roads for Portavadie and Kames.... more
House at Millhouse
At the junction of the minor roads to kames and Portavadie.
The B8000 road at Millhouse
The road makes a sharp turn through the hamlet. The road also becomes two lanes... more
Crossroads Pets & Garden
At the crossroads in Millhouse.
Hills north of Millhouse
Looking north from the B8000 road between Millhouse and Kames.
Hills north of Millhouse
Looking north from the B8000 road between Millhouse and Kames.
Bench by the B8000 road
Between Millhouse and Kames.
Cruach Kames
Kyles of Bute golf course can be seen on the lower slopes.
Roadworks on the B8000
At the electrical sub station between Millhouse and Kames.
Electrical sub station
By the B8000 road between Millhouse and Kames.
Roadworks on the B8000
At the electrical sub station between Millhouse and Kames.
Kyles of Bute Golf Club
Viewed from the B8000 road.
All images © Thomas Nugent and available under a
Creative Commons licence 
.
