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Badrallach, Beinn Ghobhlach, Scoraig Primary School, Wester Ross, Scotland.
 [21.0 km]  Tue 16 Aug 2016
 
OS Grid ref: NH 05559 91890
Lat/Long: 57.874004, -05.280371

I parked on the small car park at the end of the road at Badrallach. It was a lovely clear morning as I set off walking just after 6am. There was hardly any wind and the mountains of Wester Ross were reflected in the still Little Loch Broom.
Early fishing boat

Morning view across Little Loch Broom
A fishing boat was already out checking the lobster pots. I did this walk last month but it was in low cloud and rain and I saw nothing of the hills. Today the conditions are ideal. I followed the excellent path for about 2km before preparing to head up the steep gully to start the climb to the twin lochs above. As I was putting my gaiters on a woman came walking from the Scoraig direction. She had a rucksack and was carrying what looked like a large drawing folder wrapped in black bin liners.
Approaching the lower loch
We chatted briefly before continuing our separate ways. I started the climb and the heather was still wet so I was glad I’d put my gaiters on. I had to keep moving as the midges were a problem. It was nice to reach the lochs and see the reflection of Beinn Ghobhlach ahead. There is no official path to follow but there are sections of what look like sheep tracks.
Looking back on the lochs

Looking across the peninsua
View from the summit stone shelter
The two lochs are separated by a narrow strip of land which I followed to the NE corner of the lower loch. There was a narrow shore of sand which I couldn’t resist walking along. A steep stretch of rough ground was ahead and on the final climb to the ridge it was even steeper. I reached the west ridge and had an easier walk towards the summit of Beinn Ghobhlach and the first cairn at 632m. A short way ahead was the stone shelter where I stopped for a while to take in the magnificent views and a few photos.
Access path to Scoraig
Away to the NW I looked across to the peninsula and Scoraig settlement buildings. That was my next objective but first I had to get off the mountain and back on to the path. I continued along the curving summit ridge to the next minor summit before setting off down the corrie. It is quite steep at first but OK if taken steadily. The gradient levelled as I had to cross a very rough and boggy area before the last steep and sometimes tricky descent to the path.
Ruined crofts
It was so nice to walk on firm level ground and I enjoyed my walk to the Scoraig area. Along the main track I saw the moved lighthouse ahead. It is now used a small information area of display inside. It was now in sunshine and much better to photograph that the last time when it was raining. I came to the community hall where there was a meeting going on in the back room. The door was open and a lady came out to see if she could help.
The moved old lighthouse
is now an information centre
I told her I was looking for the school building as I didn’t get chance the last time. I said I assumed the children would still be on holiday but she said they had just come back as Scotland’s summer holidays are earlier than England. There were two ways I could go so I took the longer one taking the track west towards the jetty then turning back left before to follow another track to the school building. There were no signposts anywhere.
Scoraig Community Centre
The school building was fairly isolated and surrounded by fields. Judging by the parked bikes the children would mostly cycle there. A sign on the door said ring the bel for attention and wait as school lessons would probably be underway. It was approaching 12noon so I pressed the bell hoping the children would break for lunch then. I waited 10mins before pressing again but it seemed I wasn’t heard. Eventually I saw some children inside and asked if I could have a word with their teacher.
Scoraig Primary School
Their class teacher, Stuart Benjafield, came out and said the children would break for lunch at 12:30 and we could chat then. It was lovely sunny afternoon so waiting another 10 minutes was very pleasant. At 12:35 the children ran out into the sunshine to sit under a nearby tree and eat their lunch. Stuart came out and gave me a conducted tour of the school. It was similar to most primary schools inside except that there are only 5 pupils. Outside a new borehole had been drilled for a water supply but hadn’t been connected yet.
Scoraig Primary School interior
All the power is locally generated by wind, solar or generator. There is no connection to the national power grid. Eventually I had to set off back and this time walked up the fields to re-join the return route. There was a model play ship near the school and the children were playing on it. It looked like a trawler and when I asked them if it was they said ‘No – it was a pirate ship’ I love the imagination of children. As I walked back along the main path I saw a few walker coming the other way. It was still warm and sunny all the way back to the car and the car park had many more cars in it that when I left.
A Scoraig house