CRAIG LODGE to TAYNUILT
14.2m,(23 km) 7 to 8 hrs
Follow Craig Lodge access road to Dalmally Bridge. Do not turn left over the bridge into Dalmally but continue west along the B8077 to the cattle grid entrance (136288) to Castles Farm. It was almost certainly here that St Columba founded a monastery on the side of Loch Awe and the hill immediately behind the farm is called Beinn Eunaich which translates into St Adamnan who was a follower and the
biographer of St Columba
Walk to the end of the well-maintained Hydro- Electric road up the Allt Mhoille. You initially pass the Castles farm buildings which are on your right. The gradient of the road is never too steep and wonderful views emerge as the hills and corries appear. Continue all the way up the hill to near the end of the road track.
From here, follow the sturdy poles to the top of the ‘bealach’ or Lairig Noe pass (1850 ft, 564m). Shortly before the bealach you will pass the flat rock (103318) which was used by the MacIntyre clan (see their clan history) to conduct ‘parliament meetings’! Craig Lodge to Laraig Noe pass approx 3 hrs)
PLEASE NOTE – THERE IS NO PHONE SIGNAL FROM THE BEALACH (LAIRIG NOE PASS) TO GLENNOE FARM. If a pilgrim is travelling solo it would be a good idea for them to phone CALUM (07396 651 976) at the Lairig Noe pass and again at Glennoe farm or vice a versa if coming the other way, to confirm they are ok.
Descend down Glen Noe to Glennoe farm. Keep to the high ground, to the right of the main burn to reach Glen Noe farm. If the hills are clear of mist you will get fabulous views of the northern corries of Ben Cruachan which hold snow well into summer. You will also pass the ruins of former MacIntyre habitants. (from Lairig Noe pass to Glen Noe farm approx 2.5 hrs)
Turn left at Glennoe farm and take the private road skirting along the side of Loch Etive where otters are frequently seen. At the Inverawe road junction turn right for the Inverawe Smokery where you will find a welcoming café and shop
From the car park at Inverawe Smokery access the field by going down the steps to the right of the cafe heading toward Hugo’s Lochan (sign posted) and once in the field head straight for the suspension bridge (019316) over the River Awe. Cross the field straight up to the track and turn right for Taynuilt where B&B, shops etc are available. Glennoe Farm to Taynuilt approx 2hrs 10mins.
Craig Lodge to Castles Farm - 3.7 miles (6km)
Castles Farm to end of road track - 2.8 miles (4.5km)
End of road track to Bealach (Lairig Noe pass)- 0.3 miles (0.5km)
Bealach (Lairig Noe Pass) to Glennoe Farm - 3 miles (5km)
Glennoe Farm to Smokery - 2.5 miles (4km)
Smokery to Taynuilt (A85 rd) 1.9 miles (3km)
Day 1 - Craig Lodge to Taynuilt map- link below
Craig Lodge to Taynuilt route map