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Culra - a nostalgic return
I have not walked extensively in Scotland but I do have affection for the route from Dalwhinnie to Corrour, which is accessible by train at both ends, and so relieves the necessity of driving several hundred miles to get there.
Quite simple really: a train from Aberystwyth to Euston; pick up the sleeper to Dalwhinnie; walk and camp somewhere to the west of the Bealach Dubh; walk to Corrour; train to Fort William, a meal and a pint or two at Cobbs Lounge Bar near the station; Sleeper to Crewe and thence home to Aber. Train fare of about £140 by booking ahead and with the benefit of a Senior Railcard.
The walking route passes Culra Bothy, about 9½ miles from Dalwhinnie. I have never slept in the bothy, preferring to camp, but have happy memories of having brews and chats there whilst sheltering from the elements before the climb to the summit of the bealach.
As reported on Geograph recently, the bothy is now officially closed due to asbestos contamination. I’m afraid that my health now prevents me from doing the full route from Dalwhinnie to Corrour but I did feel that I would like one last visit to the bothy in case it is to be demolished (and whilst I still could) – walking out from Dalwhinnie, overnight camp and then back to Dalwhinnie.
I must pay tribute to my son-in-law who is an excellent walking companion and shares my love of wild places. He has accompanied me on several visits to the area and has shown remarkable patience whilst waiting for the old man to catch up!
Quite simple really: a train from Aberystwyth to Euston; pick up the sleeper to Dalwhinnie; walk and camp somewhere to the west of the Bealach Dubh; walk to Corrour; train to Fort William, a meal and a pint or two at Cobbs Lounge Bar near the station; Sleeper to Crewe and thence home to Aber. Train fare of about £140 by booking ahead and with the benefit of a Senior Railcard.
The walking route passes Culra Bothy, about 9½ miles from Dalwhinnie. I have never slept in the bothy, preferring to camp, but have happy memories of having brews and chats there whilst sheltering from the elements before the climb to the summit of the bealach.
As reported on Geograph recently, the bothy is now officially closed due to asbestos contamination. I’m afraid that my health now prevents me from doing the full route from Dalwhinnie to Corrour but I did feel that I would like one last visit to the bothy in case it is to be demolished (and whilst I still could) – walking out from Dalwhinnie, overnight camp and then back to Dalwhinnie.
I must pay tribute to my son-in-law who is an excellent walking companion and shares my love of wild places. He has accompanied me on several visits to the area and has shown remarkable patience whilst waiting for the old man to catch up!
by John Lucas
Created: Thu, 18 Sep 2014, Updated: Thu, 18 Sep 2014
24 images use this description: (all images taken in 2014)
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