Thoughts Near Corrour

Sometimes walks don't go to plan. Sometimes you lose concentration and make a mess of things. Sometimes you've just got to turn back.
This was supposed to be a video about a walk from Corrour Railway Station to Rannoch Railway Station, but it didn't work out like that.
Corrour Railway Station sits in the middle of nowhere. There are no roads, at least no metalled roads. Just dusty tracks. As a consequence it is very quiet. At Corrour Railway Station all you will hear is silence. Utter silence.
I was looking forward to an 11 or 13 mile hike to Rannoch Station. But I suppose I was so blown away by the peace and quiet that I lost my way; relaxed into a mild state of inattentiveness. I missed the fork in the track near Loch Ossian Youth Hostel; thought I'd correct the error by picking up a footpath on my map a bit further on; but couldn't see the path or even the little building on my map, a map that was a few years out of date, and in the end had no option but to turn back. Sometimes, that's just the way it goes.
This is a short walk in the shadow of Meall na Lice, on a track on the edge of Loch Ossian, under the bare mountains of Corrour Forest.
Sometimes making a navigational blunder isn't just so bad after all.
[NOTE - KZbin has actually come up with a decent thumbnail, so ignore the bit of text at the end of the video re a rather large tartan bunnet that in the end did not materialise... unless, that is, I change my mind ... ... ]

[@badhat63]

I know you’re a Partick man, I frequent the area for beer and good food, hopefully I’ll be able to put a pint on your table someday. 😄

[@Ahm.nae-fou]

When I saw that bunnet I was sure we were going to get your Chick Murray impersonation.

[@loveexploringscotland]

I agree, a lovely little hill. New walks always surprise us at every turn 😃

[@EdExploresScotland]

Hope to return some day.

[@thetimetraveller6550]

Hey Ed it was still a remarkable video some of the best things can be what we never anticipate, and despite it not being exactly planned the way you would have liked there was some excellent views of Bonnie Scotland it's your unique way you do thêm thật make them truly great now to watch the previous one because KZbin is still not giving me the notifications I have no idea why but ách! it is what it is four hour wait for the train 🚂🚋🚃🚋🚃🚋🚃thật equals = at least four 🍺🍺🍺🍺 beers and maybe a nice meal 🍴🍱 scotrail style 😂😂 haha!! The banter and the 🎥video was still good no worrys 😊

[@williamlong7188]

Nice beautiful setting for a few beers 🍻 Ed a day oot isn’t a day wasted in the Scottish outdoors. The train ride alone would be worth it just to get away from the big smoke or the hoose .

[@EdExploresScotland]

Absolutely. Sometimes the train journey is so fantastic that the destination does not matter.

[@williamlong7188]

@@EdExploresScotlandso true Ed . The pint 🍺 of beer looked absolutely amazing too .

[@greigmcarthur3821]

Ed, that was brilliant pal! It's somewhere I've always wanted tae visit since first seeing it in Trainspotting lol.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Definitely worth a trip on the train.

[@andym2869]

Really enjoyed this one Ed, it's certainly on my bucket list to do your intended walk,i may leave it now until after 'midge' season & or until next spring now,think it would be absolutely amazing with a bit of snow on the higher peaks so probably be next spring i do it.. love all your videos,great craic.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Andy. Strongly suspect I'll be back in the area very soon.

[@golfingmags5]

Hi Ed, this is my second viewing of this video as I found it so funny, from the women yakking on the train, to taking the wrong path but the scenery was beautiful. Bet you hade more than 1 pint 😂. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@EdExploresScotland]

Certainly had a few. Lovely area.

[@user-hg1ky3cj2s]

Quite a good video Ed. The views on the train were outstanding. After all, sometimes just a nice chat and short walk is all that’s needed. You never fail to meet expectations. Cheers. Lynn in Naples FL

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Lynn.

[@andyp9040]

Another great video. Always went on holiday to kinloch rannoch as a child. I remember how remote rannoch station was. On another point, glasgow city council are a disgrace. They dont care about what shops sell only how much money they can take. The town centre is destroyed with the lez, bus lanes, knocking down significant historical buildings (which i know you hate) and horrendous roads with potholes! Take care mate

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Andy.

[@brycehermon5939]

A nice day out for sure. Thanks for taking us all on your journey.

[@Urbexy]

I wonder how much footfall at that train station increased following the transporting movies 🙂 This station was used in both films. The scenery there is stunning, it's certainly on my list of places to visit. The shop selling replica firearms, I agree with you there. There is no legitimate reason to have them. Hope all is good Ed!

[@EdExploresScotland]

Yes, it's a stunning area. I think the main thing that hits you is the utter peace and quiet.

[@davidsam3918]

Hi Ed that's great you made it up there, brilliant weather you got for the trip. I would say personally that navigation wise it's more straightforward starting at Rannoch. Shortish walk on the quiet road until you reach the signed track Public Footpath to Ft William via Corrour. As you gain height Corrour starts to appear in the distance. From Peters Rock it's all downhill and you can see the layout of the land around the hostel area clearly. As you said the path you wanted initially was shortly after the building on your right before the hostel ,I believe there was a caravan there a few weeks ago too. You were probably blown away by the scenery and walked past it lol. My map is 2012 and has the other path I think you mention that cuts back up the hill not far from a small building ,about a mile and a bit from the hostel. I don't recall seeing this path on the ground near Peters Rock although wouldn't have necessarily been looking for it . Cheers

[@EdExploresScotland]

Hi David. Just a total lack of concentration. I'll definitely be back.

[@user-yl2qx9hd4w]

The best laid plans etc! I hope you were able to board the train in a reasonable state and I enjoyed your self deprecating humour. You've inspired me to have a go at this walk sometime over the summer.

[@EdExploresScotland]

I'll be back. A great area for walks.

[@ron2143]

Great video. More often than not a change of plans and making the best of it, leads to a better experience. This was one of those times. Great chat and scenery. Enjoyed the slow pace and the chance to 'soak it all in'. Go Well. Ron

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Ron. Definitely an area of the country for chilling out.

[@Al.W7263]

One of those walks where you have to sit down and think. That's a long way for a shortcut.

[@colinblack7049]

Hi Ed, a nice relaxing video, I couldn't agree more about a quiet wummin free carriage, even a couple of wimmin in ma caur has ma ears ringing.

[@mancguy336]

Yes the woes of Scotrail continue to be an embarrassment. So many breathtaking views in this video. Hope you get to that little hill on day😊

[@EdExploresScotland]

Fingers crossed.

[@michaelmunn1036]

Hi Ed,I was wandering if you could make a video about the history of Glasgow's high street,I used to work at a restaurant called the colonial there back in the mid 80s and loved the history of the area.thanks

[@Puffball-ll1ly]

Blootered in Corrour 😂

[@junejackson7958]

Lovely place and music

[@BrokenBackMountains]

Lucky people being able to get a reserved seat. I've never been able to on that line. Always had to turn up early to try to get a seat. That route to Rannoch is called the Road to the Isles. If you go to the heritage paths page on the Scotways website it is there along with many more paths. Two years ago I got the train up to Rannoch and walked up to Corrour old lodge and camped. Then it was down to Loch Ossian past Peters rock over to Loch Treig and down to Meanach bothy. Stayed in the bothy as it was a bit wet😂. Last day involved burns in spate to Steall and the Glen Nevis campsite. Almost never got a seat home. Was early but the queue for the train was huge and no reserved seat. Managed it though. And I always book in advance...

[@EdExploresScotland]

Booking in advance is definitely required. I recall many many years ago having to sit on the floor because all the seats were taken.

[@jimmitchell5629]

My sister and I were way up in Sutherland ( Durness ) for a week in April Ed, when we were driving home all we could talk about was our break, we were that deep in chat that we went 30 miles past our right turn on to our "A" road lol I'm laughing now but I wasn't at the time. A wee fish supper in Ullapool soon cheered us up. Hope this makes you not feel so bad lol

[@EdExploresScotland]

Sometimes in life we all take the wrong turn.

[@robertwright4651]

It happens to the best Ed think you got away with it the scenery is stunning the train journey is a joy to the eyes

[@EdExploresScotland]

One of the most scenic railway journeys in the world, no doubt.

[@petermcculloch663]

Hello Ed, as always I enjoyed your days outing ! The new bunnet looks great and I loved your comment about the train ride to Edinburgh. Woke generation be damned!!!

[@biggernumber1]

God love ye Ed, God love us all, whatever the stakes

[@patriciaheichman82]

Ed, love all your videos but I hope you don’t think all women are chatter boxes. I’ve been in rooms with all men at times and they talked more than women in a sewing circle . Well , hope to get to Scotland to see some of the beautiful countryside before I’m dead and I’m old now. Hello from Michigan.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Hi to Michigan. I strongly suspect you're right. 👍

[@digitalimager4946]

You’re the man, Ed. You’re the man. Brilliant video, warts and all. Rail segregation for men and women? Controversial but, again, brilliant 🤣

[@vermeerofdelftscotlandwalk3294]

Some great views there Ed. I've not been to Corrour Station, but have been to Rannoch Station. Another very quiet place is the Kirkton Glen Balquidder. There's no sound apart from the burn if you are near it, or the occasional small bird. Maybe you could try the walk again some day, starting from Rannoch Station? You had a good walk but not along the intended path. Excellent views. 👍👍

[@EdExploresScotland]

We're learning every day.

[@MrMaharg65]

Hi Ed from Sunny Lanzarote 🌞 Watching you on a nice big Telly so your photography is looking absolutely magnificent!!! My band’s back in The Clutha Sat 3 August afternoon gig if you are free mate 🫡🫡🫡

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Graham. Have a great holiday. 👍

[@jocky2]

Well you made the best of it, I'm surprised you didn't just head up that hill, it seemed to be calling you. Thanks for the views tho' pal, I have this train ride on my list. Keep your chin up auld fella.

[@EdExploresScotland]

One of the best train trips in the whole world. I'll be back. 👍

[@justandy1035]

Great scenery Ed . Views were amazing. I only ever stopped at Corrour on the train . I must explore up there more. Did you just have the 1 pint as you waited for the train . Well done cheers for sharing

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Andy. Beautiful area of the country. I spent the 4 hours trying different seats and supping a bit more than just the wan pint. Very relaxing.

[@DiscoverWithPajerico]

Have you done the Clackmannan to Dunfermline walk Ed? If not it's about 12 miles flat along the auld railroad first passing the auld brickworks, very pleasant, oh and no chance of mistakes lol

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks. I walked it many years ago. I suppose while there's little chance of getting lost, these straight routes are often hemmed in and can at times offer little in the way of views. But you're absolutely right, a great walk. 👍

[@lisalaine4478]

Ed - Brilliant stuff! The dialogue only (slightly) outmatched by the scenery! Off that topic and asking as an exile: Are we seeing the slow return of forest growth to the Highlands?

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks. It's a good question. Many of these bare mountainous areas have names that include the word 'forest'. Are the trees returning? I don't know.

[@jsfaulds]

Your on an adventure Ed Just chill and enjoy

[@EdExploresScotland]

Absolutely. It takes a while to adjust from the noise of a big city to utter silence.

[@davidj009]

I know it might be blasphemy, but there's apps for your phone where you can plan routes or just see paths as you go using GPS. Even just this weekend it saved me from going too far in the wrong direction. Area looked great for a walk.

[@EdExploresScotland]

I don't have a smart phone. Not smart enough. I much prefer the use of paper OS Landranger maps.

[@user-iu7ji8ik1s]

Was that a wan sausage roller

[@EdExploresScotland]

Nup. Twas a wan flapjacker.

[@user-iu7ji8ik1s]

@@EdExploresScotland 🤣👍

[@user-iu7ji8ik1s]

@@EdExploresScotland see that’s how you run out of petrol a piece’n dripping would have kept you going 🤣

[@scunnercampbell3499]

No talking especially women , Great 🤣😂

[@bensmith372]

Don’t be too hard on yourself ed🤣🤦‍♂️

[@badhat63]

One criticism, why wear a tartan not of your own clan???

[@EdExploresScotland]

It was just a £4 bunnet in a charity shop. That said, what you probably don't want to see is the thumbnail I almost used. 'Nuff said. 👍

[@vermeerofdelftscotlandwalk3294]

Some great views there, Ed. You can always make a return visit.

[@EdExploresScotland]

I strongly suspect I shall. A beautiful area of Scotland. 👍

[@slydermartin6008]

Ah "The Best Laid Plans". It's not the fail that's important but how you recover. Then again how could a walk in the Highlands ever be a "fail"?

[@EdExploresScotland]

Absolutely.