Sunshine

 Morning dawned bright and sunny over the Ardmair camp site and the view that was lovely last night was stunning this morning. 

The paddle boarders were out again (did they even sleep?) heading for a distant island. All was well with the world. I forget to say that yesterday Misty found, and tried to eat, a jellyfish, a dead crab and her particular favourite, a dead seal. So we needed to be in top Misty watching form. We pottered about a bit till we felt we ought to leave, then Ian went off for a wash! He took a long time and it transpires he had met a teacher from Brighton who had packed his job in to cycle around Britain, clockwise. But he was going more slowly as he had done his knee in. He was on about week seven. After Ian came back we packed up, and he just had to do his back exercises and we were off. 11.30, pretty good for a Sunday.

We’re not sure if it’s because of the Sun, or just because of the location, but today’s drive seemed to be even more amazing than those we had seen before. 

We drove alongside Loch Broom for a good way before we stopped off at Corrieshalloch Gorge, the most impressive slot-gorge cut by glacial meltwater in Britain. The suspension bridge didn’t mention no jumping, not that Ian ever takes any notice if it does. 

The road then climbed up into the hills where we got a great view back towards Ullapool. 

For lunch we stopped alongside Little Loch Broom.

Hitting the coast again we gave Misty a swim on Little Gruinard beach. We met another dog who had never been on a beach before. Poor thing.

We drove through Poolewe and Gairloch, then alongside Loch Maree, under the imposing heights of Slioch (981), goodness knows how any Munro bagger gets up it! Specially with that Mount Doomesque cloud hanging over it. We also spotted a golden eagle, or we’re pretty darn sure we did!

Turning right at Kinlochewe we encountered a single track road with passing places AND other traffic. Up to now we’ve been virtually the only thing on them. Down Glen Torridon and alongside Loch Torridon until we came to virtually the end of the road at Shieldaig. 

Before leaving Ullapool I had phoned Shieldaig camping and cabins and managed to bag the last pitch. Ian was keen on loosey goosey again, but I like the luxury of electric. The pitch is on row two so not quite on the edge of the sea, but it’s a lovely little site. The owner told us of a nice walk along the headland which we did as the Sun was setting. 

 

He also told us of a nice pub, so leaving Misty home alone we ambled down to the Shieldaig Bar and coastal kitchen for a fishy based meal. I fancied the steak but when all the fish is locally caught what can you do? 

Tomorrow we head back across country to Inverness. I fear the picturesque part of our journey is over.