Loch an Tuirc

The easiest way to get to Loch an Tuirc is up the track from Rhicarn on the B869 (as if for Crocach - the big black labrador may run at you and woof a lot but he is friendly), then head off to the right at the very top of the hill through the gate in the deer fence and follow the track until it peters out. Keep walking almost in a straight line but bearing right until you come upon a small round lochan. Skirt the south east corner where you should find a long narrow loch and again skirt around this loch and the crest of the hill where you should be able to look down to Loch an Tuirc. It is quite a steep descent and there is no track so care is needed. It takes about 45 minutes and is fairly strenuous but is much easier than following the burn up to the Manse Loch from the Achmelvich road, fighting through the foliage and being pestered by midges. Also getting around Manse Loch is not at all easy and there is often a bull in the fields, so take care. Is it worth it? Yes if you like catching small brownies with the occasional half-pounder. I've never seen or heard of a seatrout being caught here, but there are plenty of tiny seatrout in the Manse Loch. You really do need an ordnance survey map here as it is easy to get lost, especially on your return. JW