These are two adjacent bays and although there is more tide in the one to the east (South Connel Bay) it does have more to offer ashore. The one to the west (Camas Bruaich Ruaidhe) really has nothing other than a main road to see. But it might if plans for a marina, chandlery, golf course, golf academy, hotel and spa, and tourism dwellings come to fruition (with the usual promise of loads of jobs). Of course the eastern bay has the main road too but across that road is quite a cosy 18th century pub with rooms. The old appropriate name of the Ferryman's has been changed to the Oyster Inn, but the bar is still known as the Gluepot. There are bar meals (a bit pricey I would say), and Deuchars IPA (a decent Scottish real ale). Attached to the bar is a blue excrescence, which holds a busy and reasonable restaurant, with close-up views of the road (ph 01631 710666). I think new owners have taken over in 2025.
Just outside across the road is the old ferry slipway. It must have been quite a ride across the tide to the other side with the ferryman pulling on his oars, and maybe on his bottle too at times. From here walk up onto the bridge to view the tide roaring through the Falls of Lora, and the vista out west. The bridge was opened in 1903 to carry the Callander and Oban Railway over the falls. It is said to be the second largest cantilever bridge in the world. Within 10 years of its opening it was carrying motor vehicles too. But, in 1966, the cars won, and the railway closed Much of the track has reopened as a Sustrans (now rebadged with the mouth stopping 'Walk, Wheel, Cycle Trust') long distance cycle path to Ballachulish.
The Falls of Lora have been a tourist attraction for more than 200 years. The Hon. Mrs Sarah Murray, a widow in her 50s, came here in 1796 and described the falls as " ... a cascade, as wonderful, if not more so, than any other in the world" (A Companion and Useful Guide to the Beauties of Scotland, and the Hebrides ... to which is now added An Account of the New Roads in Scotland, and of a beautiful cavern lately discovered in the Isle of Skye'. The Hon. Mrs Sarah Murray, London.,third edition, 1810). She seems to have been addicted to waterfalls, and was firmly in the Romantic tradition, hence the overdone hyperbole.
South Connel Bay is a place to lurk while assessing which way the tide is running under the bridge if you are seized by a crisis of confidence on the approach. Also you might consider changing crew here if they are using the train, Connel Ferry station is very close.
