Isle of Rum: Part III of III
Hills: Orval (Marilyn)
Date: Sunday 8th May 2011
Company: Myself, Malcolm and Kevin


Click here to see a map of the route undertaken

On Sunday morning a good number of Club members set off from Kinloch Castle along the Kinloch Glen path towards Harris and the Mausoleum.

Malcolm, Kevin and myself walked with the main group as far as Malcolm’s bridge before leaving the track to ascend Orval.

Kinloch Castle:


I found the walk a bit of an effort having had a big day out on the Saturday and due to the fact that it was again raining heavily.

National Nature Reserve map:


As I had most of the day to undertake quite an easy route, I spent time photographing flowers and looking at wildlife.

Bird’s foot trefoil:


Kinloch Glen track:


Butterwort:


It was raining so heavily during the walk-in that my camera stayed in the bag for much of the way.
Some of the photos were therefore taken on the walk back.

Looking towards Ard Nev and Orval:


Remains of an old dam:


Marsh Lousewort:


At Malcolm’s bridge we followed the footpath towards the bealach between Orval and Fionchra.

Abhainn Monadh Mhiltich:


Heath Milkwort:


Kevin following footpath towards Orval:


Orval:


Bloodstone hill and Isle of Canna:


The small waterfall on the crags of Orval was blowing uphill.

Orval crags:


As we gained height the views across to the mainland and Skye were quite nice and atmospheric.

View across to mainland:


Atmospheric Skye Cuillin:


It didn’t take long to reach the summit of Orval. From the summit we could see Chris on Ard Nev and Leslie on Bloodstone hill. Ard Nev and Bloodstone hill both look nice hills for a future visit.

Approaching trig point and summit cairn:


Good views across to Canna from the summit and we could also see the Western Isles in the distance.

Canna from summit cairn:


Canna (Western Isles in background):


I returned via the same route taking more flora and wildlife photos on the way back.

Heath-spotted orchid:


Cuckooflower:


On reaching the castle, I had a wee wander along the path to the pier.

Hooded Crow:


Eider:


Bluebells:


Common Laburnum:


A great trip but the weather could have been a bit nicer.