Monday 23rd June
Leaving Tongue west along the NC500, we were getting buffetted quite a lot as we were very exposed to the elements on top of the hills. The only saving grace was that we didn't have to go far - only 20 miles to Corraidh Croft.
As we couldn't get on the site until 2 o'clock, we decided to go up to Smoo Cave and I'd have a walk down to have a look. Mike chickened out saying he'll get the kettle ready for my return. It was a steep climb down .... and back up but it was worth it. I got drenched when I went to see the waterfall in the cave.
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| Entrance to the cave |
We then started walking up the road to see Sango Sands but the wind was too much so we turned back. looking at pictures of Sango Sands, I think those at Seilebost on Harris were better. At the village hall, there was a Himalayan Craft Market and the prayer flags were flying at their best in the roaring wind.
Got to Corraidh Croft just after 2pm and they were just closing the tearoom so hopefully we can try it tomorrrow. It really is windy still, we were kept awake with it last night so a little snoozette was in order during the afternoon. Hopefully, it will die down soon.
Tuesday 24th
The wind died down during the night so we had a lie-in. By the time we got up, it was mid-morning so we went up to the tearoom for breakfast. Trouble was that they didn't have anything breakfasty so we plumped for coffee and paninis. Some lovely items in the craft shop but I think that most of them were semi-mass produced and certainly not local crafters.
After brunch, we took a walk to the postbox. We had to keep stopping for traffic as it is still a single track road and not many slowing down. After, I changed in to my wellies and took a walk down to the foreshore through a wooded area. There were a few midges but as we'd put on some repellent, I wasn't bothered by them.
A bit of rain in the afternoon so we stayed in and read or did crafting. I finished the 'repair' on my embroidered dress. Now I need the weather to wear it!
Midges are rife now that the wind has died down and Deet doesn't taste very nice!
We also worked out where we are going for the next week. This will include a stay at Blair Castle (campsite) Apparently, the Murray Clan to which I have a very long ago & tenuous connection, owned it. We also decided to return to Kentra in Ardnamurchan.
Wednesday 25th
Our drive to our next site is along the top of Scotland then down the west side a short way. On the way, we had to cross the bridge at Kylesku. We'd both seen photos of it but I think that Mike didn't realise how high it was and he didn't have the distraction of driving to take his mind of it. He's doesn't have a head for heights.
To get to our next site, I had to drive down a single and narrow track off the NC500 road and met a few vans & motorhomes coming in the opposite direction. A little hairy but I think that I coped admirably. Not sure what Mike thought - man of few words or maybe he was on the edge of his seat! (you did fine)
The site at Achmelvich is fairly largish and you can park anywhere. There aren't many completely flat places to pitch so I forwent the provided electric point and parked up right next to the edge of a natural harbour. Wind isn't forecast so we should be ok at high tide.
It was a lovely evening albeit a little chilly but we sat out with a drink, chatting and enjoying the time.
Thursday 26th
Slept late and then took a walk up and across the rocky, grassy area next to the site. Sheep graze and was quite evident. There's also the remains of an old croft with pen area and possibly storage area. Not much of it left though. It must have been quite a hostile existence.
I took myself off for another walk but in the other direction and saw a very secluded beach with no-one on it but couldn't see anyway to get down to it. On the way back, I went down to Achmelvich Beach. I know Clachtoll beach is a thing to be done on the NC500 but I prefer this one and it's a lot quieter. People swimming, paddle-boarding and just enjoying the beach. I couldn't resist taking my shoes off and having a wee paddle.
In the evening, we decided to partake in the on-site chippy. I had haddock & chips and Mike had battered haggis & chips and pancake rolls. All lovely cooked and tasty.
Friday 27th
Set off early just after nine to try and beat any oncoming traffic down the narrow single track road. Yesterday, three rental motorhomes arrived together and they'd caused mayhem! The district nurse was stuck behind them and to compound it all - they'd arrived at the wrong campsite. Idiots!
Back on the main road heading for the East of Scotland, we stopped in a layby just down from Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt for freshly made bacon butties. It's quite handy having a motorhome!
Today's drive is east across Scotland to Brahan Estate near Dingwall. We stopped in Dingwall for a quick shop and tried to get some crocs. Mike's are on their last legs as the inner sole starts sliding around when they get wet which is quite often. Didn't find any that were big enough though.
At the site, we pitched up between two mighty oak trees overlooking a field of wheat.
After a cuppa, I took myself off for a walk through the woods, around a lake, accidently disturbed a family of swans and also saw a standing stone with some Gaelic and English translation on it.
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| "After the Day of the Stag will come the Day of the Bear" |
It's so peaceful here. No-one around but later in the day there were a number of cars going up and down the lane just behind us. Maybe estate workers going to and from work? Apparently, there are some red squirrels in these woods but I didn't see any.
Saturday 28th
On our way to Blair Athol, we decided to come off the very boring dual carriagway that is the A9 and take a detour through Carrbridge. On our way in, we saw a town sign saying that it is home to the famous Golden Spurtle Competition which allows porridge makers from all over to compete for the title of ‘World Porridge Champion’. Well, you'd never have guessed that such a small village had those accolades.
The site at Blair Athol is huge! We both wondered why we'd come. We eventually found a water point and the our pitch which was the most slopiest one on our travels. We couldn't get level, front to back. We really have to go 'up' to bed!
It was a lovely day so I went for a walk whilst Mike did some reading. He's quite happy staying around the van. Sorry, Daisy. My walk took me up a track alongside the site which leads into an area which has the Squirrel Path. I walked around enjoying the quiet and looking up into the trees. It was a lovely walk but I didn't see any squirrels. I then decided to follow a path alongside the River Tilt. The river is lovely, very peaty with the sun shining on it in just the right way.
Beautiful!............ and then I saw a red squirrel! Not up in the canopy but running through the trees. How wonderful!
Continuing on my walk along the river feeling elated, the path petered out as the bridge over the ravine was broken. I was about to turn back and would have been quite a way, then I looked at it again. I could climb the fence, walk around the ravine then climb back over the other fence. There was no-one around so that's what I did. Just like getting across a stile.
Sunday 29th
I visited Blair Castle, Mike didn't fancy it so stayed back to do some Daisy maintenance, reading and washing. I bought the entrance ticket a few days ago, not realising that I could have 50% off by staying on the site. Still, never mind.
The castle is impressive and well maintained. There's also someone living there - the 10th Duke's half sister and her family.
I wanted to visit this castle as I have ancestor ties to the Murray Clan, who once owned and still do own it.
I got my book and a drink and sat outside. I thought that my knees were burning but it turned out that it was my shoulders. One full day of sun and I get burnt - I spent most of it inside the castle!
As I'd finished my embroidered dress, I wore that today as I'm rather pleased with it.
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