Beinn Lora cracking views

Beinn Lora Sub 2000 368m

Beinn Lora

What a stunning little hill whose views well exceeded my expectations. After yesterdays solo trip I dragged the good lady along for what was meant to be an easy hill but was rather steep for her in places and over 400m of ascent with all the ups and downs, but she enjoyed the views.

Walk start

I went to do this last year but the hill was closed for deforestation, now all open.
We parked in the car park beside the café, crossed the road to see the blue marker system still in place. There is a newly constructed soft track all the way to the moorland section but already rain making troughs in some of the downhill sections.

Typical new viewing area

Immediately this is a steep hill but the forestry have created plenty of viewpoints, benches etc well needed for some. Some great views already in this clear blue sky. Admittedly the forest destruction is less desirable on the eye but the longer views more than make up for it.
I was looking forward to rushing waterfalls but down to a trickle today.
The small lochan seemed to have pretty much dried up also, the construction to blame. But there is plenty of active spring birdlife to watch.

Lora comes into view

From here the summit can be seen and some people are already up there.

Oban airfield below

At the moor edge the good track has gone and it is a very wet and boggy 900 metres to the trig.

Final pull

 There is a short section of gravel track to climb to get you to the top.

When we reached it another round trig, I wonder if these are local to the area? However, fantastic 360 degree views. 

Mull in background

The most impressive ahead: Mull; the Small Isles beyond; Oban Bay; Morvern peninsula; Lismore. Turn around it is grey skies but there is Loch Etive, Cruachan under cloud and through to the Glencoe range.

Back down over the wet boggy stuff

Walk further on to the western point and it opens up below to Connel, the bridge, the airfield, the beach, superb. We spent some time up here soaking it and the heat in.
We took the short detour to the Eagle's Eyrie viewpoint on the way back, well worth it as some alternative views. 
A great little hill and now time to sit in the sun at the café for well deserved coffee and carrot cake, who loves this country, me.
Wildlife included: Chaffinch; Coal tit; Dunnock; Chiffchaff; Golden Eagle; Meadow pipit; Peacock butterfly.

Time: 2Hr 54Mins
Distance: 4.65m 
Ascent: 1259ft. (426m)