From our vantage point high above Camas nan Geall (see previous post here), we set off to return along a route across the flatter land further to the east. It made good walking, if a little boggy in places, across a rolling landscape broken by occasional rock outcrops and low hills. The small mound in the foreground of this picture drew our attention. It is almost circular, about 8m across, and stands in a saddle between two hillocks. While, from its size and position, it might be a man-made burial cairn, there are other, much larger natural hills which have a similar structure.
This is the red deer rutting season. We saw a number of stags, some of them in small bachelor groups like this one...,
....but others in proud possession of a harem. They were always well aware of us long before we neared them, standing to watch us for a few moments before moving off. Rightly or wrongly, we are wary of stags at this time of year.
Just before we dropped back down to the road, we had fine views northwestwards, across Loch Mudle to the Isles of Eigg and Rhum.All our walk was on Ardnamurchan Estate land. The Estate has no problem with walkers who follow the country code, even though this is the stag stalking season and there is some risk that they will disturb a target. Those of us who are keen walkers appreciate their generosity. The Estate offers some beautiful self catering cottages, here.
A map of the area of this walk is here.
Great shots of the red deer, you seem to be able to get quite close while out on an afternoon stroll. You can also see them really close up (and apparently not worried when you pull up in car only a few yards away) when driving through the approach to the village. Imagine if you'd paid 5 grand to be taken on a 6 hour walk through the rain and peat bogs, told not to put on any deoderant because the slightest scent will send them running, told to crawl the last half mile so they can't see you, that the slightest noise will cause them to take off. Then, cold, tired, wet, 5 grand lighter: you miss.
ReplyDeleteShould have sat in the car, turned down Radio 2, wound down the window and taken your shot from the comfort of the Range Rover's leather seats. I mean, just ask Titch.