Ramona,

I can't help you on the north side of the loch, but have walked the south side of the loch twice, both times in glorious sunshine on easy trails with lovely views over the loch and enjoyed it immensely. I guess I'm not as adventurous as your vetter!

Whichever side of the loch you come down, the path up the allt garbh will be one of the muddier sections of your crossing! Its only 1.5km of muddy path until you reach a landrover track, but if it's been a wet spring, you'll enjoy the experience!!

The north side of the loch is a lovely walk on a more rugged path to start (it becomes well made and maintained further along) with what can at times be an exciting river to cross, Allt Coulavie. I've walked it many times. I've also walked the southern track many times and enjoyed it. You might find that, on the day, the weather, the company you have, your mood, all sorts of things might sway you at the decision point which way you go.