Scotland’s Most Distant Prepare Cease

Exploring the Highlands in Scotland has been on my journey bucket listing for some time.

Nevertheless, I didn’t wish to see solely the Glencoe a part of it. Don’t get me unsuitable, the valley is gorgeous and completely price a go to. However I needed that wild nature and dramatic landscapes, the secluded lochs and easy stays away from civilization. I’d devoured Edinburgh on a solo journey with all of its cultural richness, and was prepared for a deep dive into untamed Scotland.

And so, one wet Friday afternoon, I hopped on a practice from Edinburgh to Glasgow, then switched to a different practice — a a lot smaller one (solely 4 wagons, two of which have been to be indifferent alongside the best way), and headed to Corrour.

That is certainly one of Scotland’s most distant practice stops often known as the gateway to the Scottish wilderness.

The place Is Corrour Anyway?

Corrour (pronounced kər-OUR) is situated in Rannoch Moor on the West Highland Line. The practice station is really an remoted one — it’s serviced by a practice of solely two carriages, and is in any other case accessible by foot (a really lengthy hike from the Rannoch Station) or by bicycle. The closest street is greater than 20 km away.

I hopped off the practice onto a tiny platform and reached for my GPS. Based on the map, the one lodging within the space — the Youth Hostel — was one other 25 minutes away from the station. Beneath the pouring rain, I thanked myself as soon as once more for getting a water-proof jacket and correct mountain climbing boots for my adventures in Scotland, turned on the pinnacle torch, and stepped off the platform onto the path.

About 20 minutes or so into my hike, the rain stopped — and so did I. The sky cleared, exposing the moon, which was reflecting within the waters of Loch Ossian. Subsequent to it beamed the sunshine above the doorway to the hostel — a quite simple stick with two combined gender dorms, a kitchen, and a eating space.

I couldn’t look ahead to the subsequent day to correctly go searching and see what I had gotten myself into.

Mountain climbing Round Loch Ossian

My intention for this journey was to expertise the wilderness and authenticity of the Highlands, however with out going full survival mode — no mountain climbing up Munros, wrestling with the tent, or cooking breakfast over a fireplace.

The beauty of the Loch Ossian space is that it presents that solitude, an opportunity to go off-grid with out the need of carrying a backpack filled with tenting gear.

So, the subsequent morning after arriving on the Youth Hostel, I ventured out on an extended, enjoyable hike across the lake. The path is a loop of roughly 15 km — a well-maintained monitor with virtually no elevation. In different phrases, anybody comparatively match can do it in half a day or much less. 

The fantastic thing about the path is that it retains near the lake whereas additionally main by way of the moorland. Outdated pines, thick moss, clear streams, and small waterfalls are among the many issues to take pleasure in on the hike.

Midway by way of my route, I sat on a thick cushion of grass and leaves and had my lunch to the soundtrack of the mild waves. 

A few hikers handed me by, and we acquired to speaking. They have been a pair who had hopped off the identical practice I did. In contrast to me, although, they’d bravely headed straight into the moorland — decided (in pitch darkish and underneath the pouring rain) to discover a place to camp.

I used to be glad to meet up with them the subsequent day. The 2 appeared more than happy a couple of evening spent within the wilderness and recommended I discover past the lake path. They have been headed in the direction of Beinn na Lap.

And so, the subsequent day, I additionally ventured up Beinn na Lap. It’s a small Munro near the Youth Hostel. I can affirm that it’s an journey that may be tackled even by households with youngsters. The path is a bit boggy, even on a dry day, so good footwear are a should. The views from the highest are definitely worth the effort.

A Beautiful Journey Again

The journey again served me beautiful views of Rannoch Moor. I had missed out on them on my approach to Corrour as I caught the final practice from Edinburgh and every thing was pitch black exterior.

Within the mild of day, nonetheless, I used to be glued to the window. The practice was gliding by way of the huge wilderness — typically boggy, typically dotted with lakes. Everybody on the practice was busy recognizing stags and Highland cows — each frequent to the world. 

By way of beautiful surroundings, this journey competes with a practice journey from Edinburgh to Fort William, typically dubbed probably the most scenic practice journey in Scotland. As I used to be devouring the views, I stored considering that untouched, genuine Highlands had turned out to be fairly accessible and inexpensive.

As a solo traveler, I may affirm that this journey felt protected, and I can wholeheartedly advocate it as a part of a Scotland journey itinerary.

Journey Suggestions for These Going to Corrour

For these of you planning to discover Loch Ossian, my finest tip can be to guide practice tickets prematurely to safe the most effective worth. Waverley Prepare Station is situated within the heart of Edinburgh, and if you wish to take advantage of your journey to Corrour however are on a decent schedule, earlier trains are a greater choice. Which means that selecting a resort near Waverly may additionally be a sensible selection.

There are not any retailers close to Corrour, and the cafe close to the practice station operates restricted hours (and is closed in the course of the low journey season), so bringing meals provides at some stage in your keep is a should. By way of garments, suppose sensible: wind- and waterproof, and cozy. The ultimate tip is to benefit from the journey — Scotland’s nature is certainly one of a sort, and it’s effectively definitely worth the journey.