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My OS map shows a trail running along the top of the GlenCoul Thrust, which stops at NC261324. Older maps seem to show it continuing almost all the way to the tip of Loch Glendhu (although this is spelled Gleann Dubh on the old maps).
Has anyone walked/ridden or even seen this disappearing bit of trail?
I'm guessing if its been removed from the map then its guaranteed hikey-bikey, which given i'll have hikey-biked to the top of Glen Coul anyway might make be one hikey-bike too many...
Just bumping this for the experts (Druidh, TJ, RobGarrioch and Stuartie_C, where are you?)
It's not rideable in my memory. The low track from Kylestrome to Glendhu is (landrover/argo track), the track to Glen Coul from the head of Loch Dhu isn't for a large portion of the route (although the descent to the bothy is good) and the track to Lochmore Lodge is. I have fond memories of a descent on the Lochmore track towards Loch Dhu, although its character changed a few years ago when they resurfaced it.
Thanks Waderider, sorry I had omitted you from the furious four above!
When you say descent to the bothy, do you mean the descent from the tip of the GlenCoul thrust down to GlenDhu bothy? That was the bit of trail that had disappeared on my maps.
My planned route had been to hike over from the Eas Coul Aluin waterfall to the stalkers path at the head of GlenCoul, descend to the loch, climb the marked path up to the thrust then descend to GlenDhu. The alternative is a big pile of Tarmac which didn't appeal but would prob be more sensible (and at least contains a crossing of the Kylesku bridge)
13th - I don't have the knowledge of the others mentioned - I rely on them 🙂
Got my map out so I can see your grid ref. When you mentioned the thrust and a trail I presumed you meant the thrust showing to the north of Loch Glendhu, as that is the classic view.
The trail you are asking about is still there even if not marked on the map. There are some bits you could string together into technical fun, other bits portage. It's easy to lose the path on the turn where it disappears on your map.
I have fond memories of the area as I used to be maintenance officer for Glencoul bothy. Never took a bike in though. The land is very rough, at its roughest and steepest round the waterfall. I'd be impressed by someone getting to Glencoul from the SW on a bike.
Me - I'd go the bridge, but there are tougher and harder than me.
Thanks Waderider, I've spent a lot of time checking up on these trails so have accepted a large proportion of portage. Having learnt to enjoy it (or at least pretend) I think I'm ready 😕
Ultimately wether or not I take the route mentioned above will depend on how much hiking + pushing I've already had to do, and how knackered I am after 9 days riding before-hand. Hadn't realised that was a bothy at GlenCoul, thought it was some sort of boarded up lodge.