Kentallen on Loch Linnhe: Cycling Route and Railway History

Kentallen lies on the shore of Loch Linnhe. When planning a trip, the main points of interest are its waterside location, the cycling route to Ballachulish, and the history of the former railway. Another notable feature is the Kentallen Intrusion: it is the type locality for kentallenite, a melanocratic olivine monzonite. Kentallen therefore offers specific points of interest for cyclists and for anyone interested in local history or geology. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Kentallen, these topics can help you match your interests to the destination.

Cycling by Loch Linnhe

The cycling route to Ballachulish begins in Kentallen and forms part of the National Cycle Network. The route between Oban and Ballachulish follows the former railway line for much of its length and runs along the coast over long stretches. Kentallen is the starting point of the cycling route to Ballachulish; the railway-line and coastal features apply to the longer route between Oban and Ballachulish. This distinction helps you keep the local starting point separate from the character of the wider route when planning your trip. The location on Loch Linnhe adds a second geographical point of reference for your stay.

Railway and local history

Kentallen developed in the context of the former railway line from Oban to Fort William. The Holly Tree was originally Kentallen railway station. Kentallen water tower was built in 1903 as part of the extension of the railway line from Connell Bridge to Ballachulish. These details provide different points of reference for Kentallen's railway history: the development of the village in the context of the line, the former station, and a structure dating from the year the line was extended.

The water tower was still standing in May 2015. If you would like to include it specifically in your travel plans, check its current condition before visiting. Historical maps also record specific details about the area: a map from 1875 shows a Kentallen township with twelve roofed buildings, including a smithy. The 1975 Ordnance Survey map shows a church among the buildings in the Kentallen township. The two maps highlight different details: the earlier map gives the number of buildings and identifies a smithy, while the later one shows a church.

Geology of the Kentallen Intrusion

The Kentallen Intrusion is the type locality for kentallenite, a melanocratic olivine monzonite. This connects Kentallen with a specific rock type and its geological classification. The olivine monzonite is well exposed in railway and road cuttings. For those interested in geology, a look at Kentallen therefore goes beyond local history to a feature directly associated with the name of the place.

Exposures of kentallenite can also be found in the former railway cuttings immediately north of Kentallen's former railway station. This pinpoints the geological sites more precisely than the general description of exposures in railway and road cuttings. Vegetation and access conditions may change. If you would like to see the exposures specifically, check in advance whether access is currently possible. Whether you choose to focus on the cycling route, railway and local history, or geology, Kentallen offers several specific topics that can be incorporated into your travel plans in different ways.

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For the wider travel guide: Highland.