Ben Loyal
Ben Loyal is a Corbett located south of the Kyle of Tongue and offers good views of the Kyle, Loch Loyal to the east, and Ben Hope to the west. It has a very distinctive profile, due to four rocky peaks, leading to it being known as the Queen of Scottish Mountains.
During the three months spent in Tongue in the spring of 2020, I never ceased to marvel at the sight of this magnificent mountain. Sometimes perfectly clear, other times strewn with fine white clouds which came to unravel between its peaks, this type of scene being of course the most photogenic. On certain days when the cloud ceiling was particularly low, the mountain could disappear entirely for several hours, but it was quite rare. I was lucky enough to be able to observe the north face of Ben Loyal, this immense triangle, directly from the veranda where I was working. It’s no coincidence that the cottage was located in the heart of the village on Loyal Terrace.
Follow the light
The variations in light throughout the day, the last rays of sun that roamed the peat bogs before hitting the granite mass and, on the best days, a reddish hue that coated the north face. Sublime! The surrounding landscape was evolving at a slower pace over the weeks. Ocher colors of late winter were gradually being speckled with the vivid yellow of wild gorse and the first slopes of Ben Loyal turned green as summer was approaching.
Best spots
Ben Loyal is visible from almost any location near Tongue or the Kyle of Tongue. Many photo spots offer good close-up views of the north face. They are located:
- above the village on the old Lairg road,
- along the path that starts from Ribigill farm and leads to Ben Loyal through the peat bogs,
- and finally on the shores of Lochan Hakel.
A little further, along the small road which bypasses the Kyle from the south, there are also beautiful views of the ridge that connects the four peaks.
Lochan Hakel
A wonderful lochan situated south of Tongue, 10 minute drive or 45 minute walk (with a light camera bag). This was definitely one of my favorite spots, always so peaceful. Alone in the world with enough time to observe the clouds and the sun in their endless play, and follow the ballet of the rays of light on Ben Loyal.
