"Back of the Ben"

The phrase "Back of the Ben" refers to the section of road which runs from Caim round the north of the high land that includes Ben Hiant, and down to the Basin and Camas nan Geall (see map link at bottom of this post). The term is most often used in winter in reference to terrible driving conditions along this stretch of the B8007; the road is exposed to the northerly winds which bring snow, it's shadowed by the high land so frost collects and persists, and the wind adds to the fun as it's channelled down the valley in which Loch Mudle lies.

Visitors know it, as one of its lay bys offers a superlative view down the valley of the Achateny Water to the inner islands. Not today. Today, when The Diary had the pleasure of having to drive to Acharacle, we are enjoying truly Scottish weather: rain, mists, and a pervasive dampness, as a nice change from rain, mists and gales.

The burns that run off the high land are full to overflowing: this is the Allt Choire Mhuilinn which runs down past Caim....

....and small burns which hardly show in normal weather form spectacular waterfalls as they plunge off the plateau to the north Camas nan Geall into the Basin.

But these were interesting things to watch which made the journey worthwhile, like this eagle which was being harried by a couple of buzzards and a crow.

For some, of course, it's business as usual, though one could not be envious of John Macfaddyen and one of his colleagues who were repairing the ditches all along the side of the road, a thankless task but much appreciated by the community.

And they weren't the only one busy with another day's work. It's still tupping time.

A map of the area is here.