Oban & Lorn T
here are several routes to stroll or cycle near the shores of Loch Creran. Work is well underway on a cycle path between
Oban and Ballachullish Bridge, and although the route is not fi nished, the stretches from Benderloch to Barcaldine Castle (2 miles) and from the Sea Life Centre to Salachan Glen (12 miles) are open (go to
www.sustrans.org for up to date information). For a leisurely walk on the beach, the sandy Tralee Beach offers views of Ardmucknish Bay and the Firth of Lorn, or if you prefer an elevated perspective, a hike up Ben Lora takes a couple of hours, and the views across to Mull are every bit as rewarding as those from some of the more challenging Munros (park in the Ben Lora car park in Benderloch village and follow the blue and red signs into the woods). Sutherland’s Grove, at Barcaldine, is an-
other popular destination for walkers, with walks that highlight the diversity of Argyll’s forests, from ancient oak woods to the gi- gantic Douglas fi rs planted near crashing waterfalls and a deep gorge. A giant octopus, inquisitive otters and play- ful seals are among the permanent residents who will meet you at Barcaldine’s Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary (10am - 5pm, 01631 720386), a rescue and rehabilitation centre for injured and abandoned marine animals. Although it’s possible that you will see some of these creatures, particularly seals, in their natural habitat nearby, the Sea Life centre offers younger visitors hands-on learning and the opportunity to meet the animals close up – a particularly magical experi- ence on occasions when a recently rescued pup is in residence, which is most likely in spring.
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