Creating traditions

I have a tradition in October of spending a weekend walking in Corrour. This is my second year in a row. Long enough to make it a tradition in my books. As long as I am able to, I plan to continue this tradition. Last year I stayed in the youth hostel and was introduced to the station house. This time I treated myself to a stay at the Corrour Station House and dined in their restaurant. It is one of the best places I have ever stayed on holiday.

The only public access to Corrour is on the West Highland train. Three hours from Glasgow. As the train chugs its way up onto the moor, the ground turns from green to golden to auburn and the hilltops darken. There are no public buildings at the Corrour train station, just a short platform. There are always a few people who peer curiously at those of us getting off the train in this quiet, isolated area.

Just like that, the train is away and you are left to enjoy the quiet and expansiveness of the moor. For both the station house and the youth hostel, you may need to book quite a bit in advance. For the Corrour Shooting Lodge at the far end of Loch Ossian, I have no idea if you need to book in advance but you do need to have a large amount of money. It is also possible to make a day trip here...just don't miss the last train!

For me, the Corrour Station House is a perfect destination. Great walking at your doorstep. Beautiful rooms with tremendous views. A warm, inviting restaurant/bar area with a fire, couches, and an interesting collection of books and games. A gourmet chef that creates absolutely delicious meals with a focus on locally sourced products. The couple who own this place have created a magical place with tremendous hospitality and high quality food. So many lovely details such as bicycles available to hire, maps, a fine selection of Scottish gins and malts.

I was particularly spoiled in that there was a nice group of folks staying at the same time along with two large dogs (in addition to the owner's dog).

In the afternoon, I headed up a munro to the south of Loch Ossian. I was confident that this time, I would continue my walk from this munro to a neighbouring munro. Last year I walked up this same munro in the clouds. Although still under a blanket of clouds, I was able to get a much better perspective than before of the area.

This is the view back towards the station house from the top of the munro. Do you see the station house? It is right next to the small loch in the distance in the middle of the photo.

About a third of the way to the other munro I started calculating how much daylight I had left. I could make it but I would need to rush it. Or I could use it as a reason for returning. So I left it for another day. 

Views from my room in the morning. Not bad, eh?

Sleeper train from London arriving

As predicted, the next day brought stronger winds and much more variable weather. Hence I headed out for a walk around the loch and a firsthand glimpse of the much talked about Corrour lodge. The day started out with heavy rain, followed by sun with a rainbow...on repeat every 15-20 minutes. The colours in this area are so stunning at this time of year but this weather just seemed to amplify them even more.

With each moment, the light changed.

Loch Ossian

The walk takes you through lovely forests and hugs the edge of the loch. Past the shooting lodge and cottages and other buildings. There is much more activity and buildings on the far end of the loch surrounding the lodge.

Then back along the loch with a more varied collection of trees including rowan and larch. Really enjoyable walk.