We caught the 10:00 hours ferry from Port Appin and we were soon walking around the coast by 'The Point' of Lismore. Looking north-west across to the mainland, mist was hanging low above the water allowing the hills to show themselves. Several Common Seals were close by in the sea inquisitively checking us out. We passed a small pebbly beach at Port Aineainn where a Rowan Tree was full of berries and a Blackthorn bush was growing prostrate over some large rocks of limestone.

We came to Park, a small farm, where we joined a good track heading towards Port Ramsay. After stopping to look at a pair of Lime Kilns we discovered some Red Bartsia at the side of the track. We stopped for a drink and a snack, sitting on some upturned boats looking over to Eilean Ramsay an idyllic spot. As we sat taking in the view, a group of about 30 Ringed Plover landed on a spit extending from the island. There were also several Grey Herons about, giving away the fact that this was also the home for a small heronry. The route now took us past the old white painted cottages at Port Ramsay, which I believe are now mainly holiday lets, then continuing on to Fennachrochan with its group of four or five houses.

As we followed the track by the houses a Stonechat attracted our attention in the scrubland off to the right, chatting away on its visible perch.  Once past the houses we turned south following a footpath down to a bay overlooking the salmon farm which is situated in front of the small island of Eilean Loch Oscair. In the background, across Loch Linnhe on the mainland we could see the vast Glensanda quarry.

After crossing a large ladder stile we past another lime kiln to our right and on the damp stony track ahead, we came across a few patches of Yellow Saxifrage.  Continuing along the coast we came to two ruined cottages, where we had our first glimpse of Castle Coeffin in the distance.  The sea was now close by as we walked along some low cliffs getting nearer to the castle with every step.

To avoid a rather difficult route to the castle we entered a gate and crossed to the track leading to Clachan. This meandered uphill for a while before flattening out and providing a very pleasant walk back to the main road. The Heritage Centre and Café were signed to off to our right in 750 metres and although in the wrong direction, the idea of a hot drink and something tasty to eat was too tempting.

An example of an old crofter's cottage sits beside the Heritage Centre and gives an interesting insight into the construction and living conditions.  The walls must be four foot thick, with the thatched roof held on by thick ropes.  We sat outside on the balcony of the café and enjoyed our coffee and scones in pleasant September sunshine. The walk was taking longer than expected, so we opted for the 18:35 hours ferry so we were able to take our time walking back along the road to the ferry at 'The Point'.

The Parish Church at Clachan probably stands on the original site of the historic Cathedral Church of St Moluag's,. whilst in the field opposite lies the ancient Sanctuary Stone. Continuing back along the road north to the ferry we recorded several plants in the roadside verges including Angelica,  Meadow Cranesbill, Autumn Hawkbit, Hogweed, Prickly Sowthistle, Bush Vetch, Ox-eye Daisy, Ragged Robin, Red Campion, Nipplewort, Pignut and Tuberous Comfrey to name but a few.

The road north affords excellent views in all directions and it was a pleasure completing our walk back to 'The Point' and our ferry back to Port Appin.  We arrived back in plenty of time to catch the 18:35 hours boat back across the short distance to our starting point at the Pierhouse Restaurant. The walk had been a distance of eight miles but with all the wonderful distractions it had seemed a lot shorter.

Richard Wesley - Seil Natural History Group

SNHG Website :- http://seilnature.spaces.live.com/