Train adventures in Corrour

Corrour!

Staying in Killin, with Ashley, Phill and Ivanka, the weather had been decidedly autumnal for the first few days. However on Friday night MWIS predicted a break in the weather. Time to hatch a plan!

Since I first heard about it, I’ve been curious to explore Corrour. As the UK’s most remote train station (there are no roads in), it holds the promise of a proper wilderness adventure with the added bonus of being the starting point for a couple of Munros.

Train times checked, an early morning start saw us driving to Bridge of Orchy. The sun peeking through the clouds suggesting the weather might just be as good as forecast.

Early morning views just out of Tyndrum

We arrived at Bridge of Orchy station, in plenty of time to faff about before jumping on the sleeper train. Slightly bemused passengers, just waking up made room for us in the seating compartment while we tucked into Scotrail coffee and biscuits.

Train Adventures!

Two stops later we hopped of at Corrour station just one other couple behind us. The sun was coming out and it was shaping up to be a great day for hill bagging.

Corrour Station train pulling away

First stop was passing Corrour Youth Hostel hidden in the trees at the shoes of Loch Ossian. The now eco hostel used to the old waiting room for Victorian gentry being ferried to the lodge at the other end of the loch.

Loch Ossian Youth Hostel hiding in the trees

The first peak we bagged was Carn Dearg, I’m pretty sure we missed the path to the Summit (Phil claims it doesn’t exist). Nonetheless after an arduous wade through tussocky heather we crested the top to grab a victory pic for the collection.

Carn Dearg summit

After fairly easy traverse we ascended Sgor Gabhrie, making excellent time. We also got our first glimpse of the other couple we’d seen at the station, they we’re making the circuit in the opposite direction (we had been worried they we just that much faster than us). Comparing notes we were warned of paddy field conditions on the decent from Sgor Choinnich. They weren’t wrong.

Sgor Gabhrie summit, also featuring Ivanka's thumb ;-)

Squelchy wet feet notwithstanding, we successfully made our way down to the shoes of Loch. The £20 million mansion at the head of the loch was well hidden in the trees. We were disappointed not to get a good nosey at it; apparently it looks like a James bond villain lair! 

Views down Loch Ossian

As well as the 'James Bond Lair' there is also a small collection of cottages at the head of the loch. The isolation, and the way the cottages are half hidden in the trees gives the place a creepy air! With the midges setting, we didn't stop to explore. Tramping down the edge of the loch we made good time back to station, arriving in plenty of time to grab drinks and snacks at the station café before the return train pulled in.

Removing shoes before cafe time

On the whole Corrour was just as wild and expansive as I’d imagined, however the hydro tracks that criss-cross the valleys slightly takes away from the sense of remoteness to the place.

Panorama fun on Sgor Choinnich