Distance/Ascent5.6km 186m (each way)
|
Time Taken1h 45 minutes outward
2h 15 minutes return I was keen to arrive in good light and took few photographs heading out to the bothy but took my time on the return. |
ParkingFrom the MBA site: "Intending visitors to Uags should park at Toscaig Pier and use either the Toscaig bridge or take a longer walk from there to the higher bridge near Upper Toscaig. Both are usuable."
I am not sure where the Toscaig bridge is but it is possible to follow the river up to Upper Toscaig, which takes around 7 minutes with an overnight pack. This is preferable to walking along the roads which is less pleasant and further. |
18 July 2022
Uags was visited as part of a two day adventure in Applecross. I had done the challenging route (for me) of Beinn Bhan via the A'Chioch (nose) so was running a bit low on energy. I made the decision to eat somewhere in Applecross before walking out to the bothy. I stopped at the campsite where there is a trailer serving extremely good food. I went for the squat lobster.
All the photos below were taken during the return journey the next morning (very hot and sunny)
I initially thought about parking at Upper Toscaig, partly based upon comments mad by the woman at the campsite takeaway. However, I had read the parking information on the MBA website and I could not see anywhere that did not have the potential to upset someone. I therefore asked a man in his garden. He told m to park at the pier and follow the river up. He told me that it only takes 5 minutes.
It took me a bit longer, as I decided to wear my old Merrell Moabs which had been left in storage for a couple of years. After about 100 metres, I noticed that the sole was coming away and as I visualised walking back in them without any souls or at best flapping about, I did an instant return to change back into my AKU boots. Lighter footwear would have been nice for what is mostly an easy walk along a clear path.
That said, there was one point where I came across some shielings in an area of nice grass that would make a splendid camping spot with a good supply of water - better than that at Uags. I headed straight across and then over some pathless terrain before rejoining the path. It was only on my return that I saw the arrow directing people rightwards. There is a footbridge shown on the OS map which could be useful after heavy rain, but on this occasion, the burn was easy to cross.
It took me a bit longer, as I decided to wear my old Merrell Moabs which had been left in storage for a couple of years. After about 100 metres, I noticed that the sole was coming away and as I visualised walking back in them without any souls or at best flapping about, I did an instant return to change back into my AKU boots. Lighter footwear would have been nice for what is mostly an easy walk along a clear path.
That said, there was one point where I came across some shielings in an area of nice grass that would make a splendid camping spot with a good supply of water - better than that at Uags. I headed straight across and then over some pathless terrain before rejoining the path. It was only on my return that I saw the arrow directing people rightwards. There is a footbridge shown on the OS map which could be useful after heavy rain, but on this occasion, the burn was easy to cross.
I knew there was a work party there beforehand, but I was made welcome. Needless to say, I felt a little guilty about my flying visit while there was a work party on. Although I pay my subscription, there are those who give so much more to the Mountain Bothies Association. A chatted to one man from Sheffield who was not a member but regularly joined work parties. My days away are few and I have hills to climb so for the moment try to climb as many as I can in the time available. I hope to be more active in the MBA after my retirement.
I think there are those who enjoy the work parties and the associated craic. They are not hill walkers and the bothy is the focus of their trips to wild places.
The scaffolding in the photograph was just temporary while they were lime pointing the chimney.
The day was getting hotter and my (wife's) car was a welcome sight on the pier at Toscaig. The small peak in the distance is Dun Caan on Raasay.
I spotted the old fishing boat below while driving back towards Applecross. I tried to position myself for the best reflection and stopped down for a larger depth of field to have the foreground also in focus.
