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Today was all about Cape Wrath, which is the north western tip of mainland Scotland. However it's not possible to drive there as the only road is not connected to the rest of the road network.
Therefore, after lovely breakfast prepared by Sarah at Churchend, I drove the 3 miles to Keoldale Pier to board the passenger ferry for the 5 minute trip across The Kyle of Durness. From there it is an 11 mile minibus ride to the Cape. However, this takes at least an hour as, despite it being a public road, it is more pothole than road. It also crosses an MOD range.
I had hoped to be dropped off at Kearvaig Bay, which I'd heard is beautiful, to walk the rest of the way and then get a later bus back. However, Bus Driver Paul couldn't be sure there'd be enough demand for a second bus so I agreed to get the bus all the way and back again.
There's not a lot at Cape Wrath - a lighthouse and the remains of the old Lloyds building, where staff would watch ships negotiate the Cape and report back to HQ in London. There's also the one permanent resident of the Cape - John, who runs the Ozone Café 365 days of the year, 24 hours a day. Finally, of course, there are the spectacular views, and as a bonus the sun was out and the breeze light for such an exposed place.
As the time approached for the journey back, Paul told me that having chatted with his colleague, if I liked I could walk to Kearvaig Bay and someone would pick me up about 3.30, as it looked like there was enough demand for later buses. As it was just gone 11.30, this gave me 4 hours. So I thanked him and walked back up the road. During the 2 hour walk, both buses passed me, and I hoped I'd see one again!
Kearvaig Bay was worth the effort. A beautiful little bay and totally deserted. While there, I sat on the rocks and consumed my lunch of a packet of steak McCoy's, Dairy Milk and Coke Zero.
As I left the bay to climb back up to the main road, the weather apparently decided I had overstayed welcome and a light misty drizzle descended. However, as I waited for the bus, having arrived 30 mins early, it brightened up and an old shipping container provided by the military sheltered me from the wind.
As with buses everywhere, this one was late but I was pleased to see Paul turn up at 4, though he pretended he was going to drive past!
Two ferry trips were required to get us all back. I had taken the first ferry of the morning and then took the last of the day.
Once reunited with The Minx, we drove to The Bettyhill Hotel, where I had the same room as last year, with the stunning views over the bay.
In the restaurant, I tucked into a Chicken Supreme with Haggis followed by a Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake with Ice Cream. Well deserved after all my excursions.
The Minx had a fairly lazy day as we drove a total of 48 miles.
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