Hi Guys,

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to get a ferry/boat ride from Taynuilt to Bonawe. If so is this allowed in the rules of the challenge?

Many thanks

Shaun

Unfortunately,there is no ferry, I believe, between Taynault and Bonawe. Whether there are any friendly local boat owners who might take you across, I don't know, nor whether such a hypothetical crossing would be within the rules. Others may be able to help. Sorry for a rather negative answer. You could get to the west side of Loch Etive from Oban via Connell and Bonawe.

Thanks for the reply Annie, I was trying to avoid the long road walk between Oban and Bonawe. I'll see if anyone else has any suggestions before I commit to the route 😁

Apparently there is, or was, a small boat doing trips from Taynult pier called the Mara run by Loch Etive Cruises

https://www.pierhousehotel.co.uk/blog/loch-etive-cruises

http://app.isai.co.uk/app_helper/app_web_mobile/67/Custom_83010.html

It seems that they do charters, but possibly not just across to Bonawe, but if not, maybe they could point you in the direction of someone with a small boat that could help.

Looking at Google StreetView they have contact details on the pierhttps://tinyurl.com/ybwmqlde but that was in 2011

That's awesome Brian

Many thanks

I'm no fan of road walking but, if you can't find a ferryman, there are worse roads to wander than the one from Connel Bridge to Bonawe. It's a quiet lane for the most part, bordered by broadleaved woodland and there are points of interest along the way, such as the small and austere Ardchattan church and the nearby priory.

Colin

Thanks Colin, its always good to hear from someone with first hand knowledge. Are there any decent camping spots you'd recommend near Bonawe?

The area immediately around Bonawe isn't very pitching friendly, with quite a few houses and a large, active quarry at the end of the road. You'd need to continue on the RoW through the quarry and look along the Loch Etive shore. I recall nothing obvious but then, anytime I've been that way, I haven't been looking, more intent on reaching Cadderlie bothy. That was my first night out this year, in company of two other Challengers and a few other folk. And it was a memorable, social evening round the fire. If bothies aren't your thing, pitching is plentiful and pleasant on the shore below.

Admittedly, aiming for Cadderlie as your overnight point does make for a long first day, though the going is easy on roads or tracks and with negligible ascent. I was there by mid afternoon. I'd imagine that you'd probably find some suitable pitching along Loch Etive if the distance seems a bit much.

Colin

Thanks again Colin, it's always good to have another option, especially in the form of a recommended bothy.

Cheers

Shaun

I agree with Colin. I stayed at Cadderlie bothy 2 years ago, and although it's a long day it's a pleasant and interesting walk. And walking through to Taynault from Oban you are on road as well.

Thanks Annie, it certainly seems like the best option.

Many thanks