Back to Bunree

We're back at the beautiful Bunree site near Fort William. We have such fond memories of spending two weeks here last year and were itching to return for the amazing landscape and views. After being warmly greeted by the wardens we pitched up a couple of rows back from the water's edge and admired the view. This continued for the next five days since we had glorious weather throughout our stay.

The site is situated on the banks on Loch Linnhe, ten miles from Fort William. It is an idyllic location but there is also plenty to do in the area. There is a bus service that runs into Fort William but it is not that regular so a vehicle is needed to get about. If heading into Fort William, there is a car park behind Morrisons where motorhomes can park for the day - we used this quite regularly. The car park is next door to the train station, a taxi rank and bus station if wanting to travel further afield (e.g. Skye)

Last time we came we tried to climb to the top of Ben Nevis but were unsuccessful due to amount of snow and ice at the top so we had to turn back. Determined to make it to the top this year, we chose a day with little wind and plenty of sunshine. We managed to get to the top, which did still have snow on, and were able to look down on fabulous views of the mountains and valleys beneath us. It almost felt like being in the Alps again. This is a popular mountain to climb and there were plenty of other people up there with us. Pleased to say we "bagged" it this time!

During the rest of the time that we stayed in Bunree, we tended to explore the surrounding area from the site. There are lots of walks in the woodland towards Inchree. You can get there by turning left as you leave the Caravan Club site entrance and then right over the bridge. Follow the road round as it bends right, pass a playground and continue towards the Glenrigh Forestry Commission car park. Here, you can find a squirrel hide where there are feeders to attract birds and red squirrels. From the car park there are colour-coded walks of differing lengths, including one that takes in the Inchree waterfalls and one that carries on climbing to take in views of the surrounding area.

The Sustrans cycle route in the area is from Oban to Fort William. It is a 48 mile section of the longer 237 mile Calendonia Way (Route 78). The section that we chose to do was from Bunree towards Fort William. The main road (A82) is very busy and narrow in places so the cycle route takes you across to the other side of the water. We cycled from the site towards the Corran ferry. Ferries here run every half and hour and are free for foot passengers and cyclists. After a short trip across, we then cycled the single track (A681) on the other side of the water. The track runs for 10.5 miles up the west side of loch where you then need to get the Camasnagaul ferry from Treslaig to Fort William. This ferry does not run as frequently - only four times a day and the last sailing is 16.35. Saying that if there are more than two cyclists the ferry will pick you up if you call a number. We chose not to take the second ferry across but cycled along the western bank taking in the views of the water and Ben Nevis in the distance before turning around and heading back via the Corran ferry again.

Even if you don't cycle the ferry ride and walk on the other side are worthwhile.

 

@meekroadventure