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Wow! Today was the best of the trip so far. "Why?" I don't hear you ask (if you did ask you're too far away for me to hear). Three main reasons:
1. A beautiful sunny day (well, 95% dry)
2. Over 200 miles of fantastic roads driven - both the 1 lane with passing places type, and the 1 lane each way type.
3. The best scenery yet - for the whole route.
I took almost 200 photos today, it could've been so much more. But which one to choose for this entry? The sunset from my hotel room in Bettyhill.
It was actually raining when I woke up, but had stopped by the time I left Loch Maree. The Minx's roof was still wet, so I initially left it up. However, after 10 miles I stopped at the first of many viewpoints (at Gairloch). As the sun was out, the roof came off.
My next stop was at Laide, where I and the Minx refueled at the petrol station / village stores / Post Office. The lady who served me suggested a few places on my route, some of which confirmed my plans, and another which changed them a bit.
A little further on, I stopped at the Guinard Bay viewpoint. Then a little further yet at a viewpoint near Badcaul.
A bit further again I stopped at Ardessie Falls. The Lower Falls can been seen from the bridge, and are quite spectacular. I then clambered up the rocky and boggy slope to see the Higher Falls too.
Back in the car, I had a lovely 20 mile drive to Corrieshalloch Gorge. Approaching the gorge, it decided to rain but not heavy enough to close the roof. By the time I arrived it was very light - but enough for a rainbow. The gorge is a very deep and narrow one created by meltwater during the various ice ages as the glaciers receded and grew over time. Now the River Broom runs through the gorge to Loch Broom, including a big drop to create the Falls of Measach. The area is owned and managed by National Trust Scotland. They have created a suspension bridge right over the falls and further on a platform for a great view. On the way back to the car park, I took the longer path that gave further views of the gorge and the sweeping vista of Loch Broom.
Resuming my journey, the sun was out again and would stay with me for the rest of the day. I stopped again at Ardmair for some more photos of the view and the Minx. I also had my lunch that I'd bought early - Diet Coke, McCoy's Steak Crisps and a Twirl!
Here my plans changed slightly, thanks to the lady in the shop. I had planned to go to Lochinver via the A837, then follow the B869 to the A894. Instead, I turned off earlier onto a minor road that went through Linneraineach. I then turned right to head to Lochinver. I'm so grateful to the lady - it was a fantastic drive with great views I otherwise would've missed. Once in Lochinver, I resumed my plan to drive along the B869 and stopped at Drumbeg for views over Eddrachillis Bay. Back on the A894, I stopped again just north of Unapool for views over Loch a' Chairn Bhain.
I then had a fantastic 30 mile drive to reach the north coast at Durness. Here I had a pit stop at the toilets and the the Spar shop where they actually sold Coke Zero - yipee!. I then drove a short distance to Smoo Cave. This is a cave that opens up to a sea inlet. The outer chamber is easily reached from the car park via steps, and contained a spectacular waterfall inside. Sadly, a tour of the inner chamber was not possible as the strong southwesterly wind blows the water from Loch Meadaidh into the chamber, flooding it!
I then continue east to the village of Tongue, where I embarked on an hour long return walk to Caisteal Bharraich. While there is not much left of the castle, the walk involved crossing the pretty Rhian Burn before climbing up to the remains of the Keep. At the top I was awarded with lovely views of the Kyle of Tongue.
Nearing my final destination of Bettyhill, I just time for a quick diversion down the road to Skelpick to see the Coille na Borgie Chambered Tombs.
Then it was just a short drive to the Bettyhill Hotel, with it's amazing view from my bedroom. For dinner I enjoyed a sirloin steak. The young waitress then recommended the Creme Brulee, so although I was sorely tempted by the Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake, I took her advice and it was the best I've ever had. Plus it came with a couple of shortbread fingers.
Today the Minx and I drove a total of 203 miles - and not an inch of it was boring.
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