Port Chlach nan Tonn

On the far bank of Loch Sunart, Glencripesdale is a Category B Listed former tacksman's house of about 1800. Glencripesdale is one of the oldest farms in Morvern dating back to the Maclean period in 1674. The farm was bought at the Argyll sales in 1820 by the Stewarts of Auch and is the largest of the surviving fifth Duke of Argyll's tacksmen's houses in Morvern. (Although a tacksman generally paid a yearly rent for the land let to him, his "tack", his tenure might last for several generations. He would often be related to his landlord, the free-holder, and in turn would let out his land to sub-tenants and possibly keep some in hand himself).

At the start of the 13km run along a potholed road to the nearest public tarmac past Laudale. The gate is locked.

Here the steep slopes immediately above the shore stop as this is the opening of a big glen. The pier in the distance pioneered removal of timber by sea in the 1990s.

A view across Loch Sunart towards Ben Laga.

A barge has been used to form a pier for the export of timber from the former Forestry Commission forest in Glencripesdale.

View towards Carna in Loch Sunart.

A big open area in front of the 18th century farmhouse.

A couple of hill routes over to Rahoy and a couple of ways to Laudale from outside the farmhouse.

Passing the farmhouse.

Quite a big burn draining into Loch Sunart. There was once a big house nearby, but I have not been able to place the site.

The tackmans house, built around 1775. It was briefly a hotel. I don't know where the demolished castle/18th century mansion stood, suspect above where there is a big clearing.

Above the farmhouse on the other side of the burn there is a big clearing. This may be the site of the lost mansion.

Rhododendrons are usually a giveaway that this is the site of a big house. The house is gone, blown up by the Army after wartime vandalism and postwar asset stripping. Where the house stood, I am not sure, but old maps have a big building near here.

A path further up continues over the hill to Loch Teacuis. It is reported to be rather faint on the ground. This is former Forestry Commission woodland, the current owner wants to restore it to agriculture and native woodland.

Heading towards the shore of Loch Sunart.