 Scottish Cross RoutesHome > Scottish Cross 2009 > Route Outline
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Route details are below.
Day 1. PALM SUNDAY 16th March: Fort William to Kinlochleven.
The pilgrimage begins with the raising of the Cross at Fort William. We make our way out of Fort William and onto the West Highland Way (WHW). The route takes the pilgrims into the mountains, offering superb views, weather permitting, of Ben Nevis. We move through forests and rocky outcrops until we reach the main track. We then proceed down toward Kinlochleven between two mountain ranges. Finally, we take a steep descent into Kinlochleven. We are accommodated that night at the wooden lodges of the McDonalds Hotel.
Distance approximately 15 miles.
Day 2. MONDAY 17th March: Kinlochleven to Bridge of Orchy.
We climb out of Kinlochleven to the top of the Devil's Staircase. This again provides great views of Ben Nevis and the adjacent mountain ranges. In addition, are able to see the Blackwell reservoir and the beauty of Loch Leven laid out before us. We continue down the Devil's Staircase toward the pass of Glencoe. After crossing the main road we take a side track into Glencoe. We stay that night at the Bridge of Orchy bunkhouse.
Distance approximately 14 miles.
Day 3. TUESDAY 18th March: Bridge of Orchy to Dalmally.
We set out along a Forestry Commission track at the side of the Bridge of Orchy Hotel. This takes us into the hills overlooking Glen Orchy, giving us spectacular views of the river Orchy. Eventually we make our way down a winding path into Dalmally. We spend this night at Craig Lodge, House of Prayer, Dalmally.
Distance approximately 16 miles.
Day 4. WEDNESDAY 19th March: Dalmally to Oban.
The route then proceeds out of Dalmally by the B8077 to just north of Glen Sprey, we then take the track north to the top of Glen Noe. On the way up it is possible to see back down Glen Noe to Dalmally, Loch Awe and the ruined Kilchurn castle. We walk over the top of the Glen Noe ridge with the whole of Loch Etive laid out before us. The route then follows the shore path of the Loch into Taynuilt.
Just outside Taynuilt the pilgrims will board the minibus to Oban. We will then be accommodated at the Oban Youth Hostel.
Day 5. MAUNDY THURSDAY 20th March, Knock to Pennyghael.
A boat is taken from Oban to Craignure bay on Mull. We then take transport to the Knock from where we start our walking. At Knock we turn off the metalled road and head into the interior of Mull. Skirting round the back of Ben More, we observe the deer, eagles and spectacular waterfalls of central Mull. Eventually, we make our way down to the main road and the village of Pennyghael. Accommodation is basic, as we will be sleeping on the village hall floor with limited washing facilities available, but unfortunately there is no alternative in the area.
Distance approximately 14 miles
Day 6. GOOD FRIDAY 21st March, Pennyghael to Bunessan.
We walk out of Pennyghael along the main road for a mile. We then turn onto the Glen Leidle road down toward Carsaig Bay. Before we arrive at Carsaig Bay we turn off onto the old drover track, which takes us on to the clifftops. We then walk along the clifftops toward Bunessan. This clifftop walk gives us spectacular views of Jura, and the eroded basalt rock formations of the cliffs themselves. Eventually we find our way onto the Forestry Commission track, which takes us into Bunessan. We spend the night at the Bunessan Church Hall in the south-west of Mull.
Distance approximately 15 miles.
Day 7. SATURDAY, 22nd March: Bunessan to Iona.
On Saturday morning we set out across old sheep tracks, eventually joining up with the Pottie back road to Ffionnphort (the small ferry port opposite Iona). We arrive on Iona in time to spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the wonders of the island. We return to Mull for our Easter Vigil service and are accommodated, on both the nights of 15th and 16th April, in the Ffionphort Village bunkhouse and other B&Bs in the vicinity. This year we will be staying on the Island of Mull in the Ffionphort area, close to the ferry port with access to Iona.
Distance Approximately 6 miles.
Day 8. EASTER SUNDAY 23rd March: Iona.
In addition to the Abbey's main Easter service, there are Anglican, Catholic and Church of Scotland services on Easter Sunday.
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