Glen Orchy walk: map & interesting data
Total climbing: 373 m
Total time: 02:18:01
Data: 5.3 mile walk, 2h20 from 12.20 to 14.40 – average 2.3 mph
Glen Orchy is a glen in Argyll and Bute which runs from Bridge of Orchy to Dalmally. That’s about 11 miles.
Glen is the Scottish word for a narrow and deep mountain valley.
Our walk in Glen Orchy
On this February Monday, we left our Bridge of Orchy cottage at about noon, on foot, and headed for Glen Orchy.
12.13 – Road from the cottage to the A82
We went down to the A82, the road that goes through the village of Bridge of Orchy. There wasn’t much traffic.
We walked past the Community Fire Station and the Community Hall.
12.14 – A wintry Bridge of Orchy
At the bottom of the road we crossed the A82, then the bridge, and turned left.
12.21 – Paved road to the left of the bridge
The forecast was for cloud and drizzle, with very high humidity.
12.30 – River Orchy & the paved road
We followed the river Orchy for less than a mile and then entered the forest plantation.
In the background we could just see Beinn Dòrain and Beinn an Dothaidh, the two Munros next to our cottage.
12.37 – Beinn Dòrain (Munro) through the cloud #
At Inverveigh
Soon we reached Inverveigh, a tiny settlement with a ruined cottage and what appears to be an outdoor centre. Not that it looks very inviting.
12.41 – An abandoned cottage
The path is a forestry track in good condition with plantations on both sides.
12.44 – Looking back at Beinn Dòrain #
There was little snow left on the ground. We continued along the forestry track in a southwesterly direction.
12.45 – Sister & Simon waterproofed
At the crossroads, we saw a fuel tanker, but I wasn’t quick enough to take a picture of it.
12.49 – Looking back at the two roads to Bridge of Orchy
There were many waterfalls along the way. I’ve always loved waterfalls, big and small.
I love the small ones because they’re feisty and elegant.
12.57 – My best waterfall picture so far
The forestry commission has some jaw-dropping machinery. This one is simply superb.
13.07 – I want one of these for my garden!
The temperature was very pleasant. We hardly needed our hats, and we were only wearing light gloves.
13.09 – Logs resting by the road
It wasn’t drizzling when we set off, but eventually it got wet. Not much, though.
13.26 – A deer fence
Back to Bridge of Orchy
Here we saw a forestry commission vehicle, but there was no on in sight. Other forestry commission vans drove past us a couple of times.
13.51 – A lonely forestry commission car
After about an hour, we turned and came back the same way.
14.04 – Back at the abandoned cottage
Towards the end of our walk, the sun came out for a few minutes. Suddenly, everything around us was bright green.
14.14 – Basting in the sun
Back at Bridge of Orchy
From the impressive stone bridge at Bridge of Orchy you can see the river Orchy flowing in full force.
It’s a fantastic sight, and I love the noise the water makes.
14.23 – Sister looking at the speedy river Orchy
I wanted to see some frogs and deer, but we had no luck. In fact, we didn’t see any creatures other than ourselves.
14.24 – Sister & Simon by the Bridge of Orchy Hotel
Unlike on our Saturday walk, we didn’t even bump into walkers. This time we had the peaceful path to ourselves all the way.
14.25 – Looking back at the stone bridge
Twice now we’ve been to Bridge of Orchy, for a whole week each time, but we still haven’t managed to visit the hotel.
All those Munros, Corbetts, Grahams and paths haven’t left us much time to get bored.
14.27 – The majestic Bridge of Orchy Hotel
Less than a hundred yards from our cottage there was a female pheasant on the ground.
Apparently there are 2.3 million female pheasants in the UK. I learnt that today.
14.31 – A female pheasant posing, perhaps
Back at the cottage, we had lunch, and sat in front of the fire to plan the next day’s adventure.
It was going to be another great climb.
I took all the photos with the Panasonic.