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Today was a day of sunshine and showers - in fact it was dry most of the day, but did have a tendency to rain when I was out!
I left Skye via the bridge and headed to Eileen Donan Castle. You'll know this one as a snowy picture of it hangs in my dining room. I'm glad to say there was no snow but as I arrived at opening time it was raining - and there were already half a dozen coaches there!
The castle was built here at the strategic point where three sea lochs meet - Loch Duich, Alsh and Long. Most castles in Scotland are built by the water as these were the highways for getting around the Highlands. As with many other castles, this was involved in the Jacobean Risings. It's fate was sealed when a small Spanish Garrison, sent to aid the Jacobites, was defeated in 1719. To ensure the castle couldn't be used again, it was blown up. 200 years later, The MacLeish's started renovation, which took 20 years.
While in the castle, we had a power cut! It turned out the whole village was affected. After a debate, we were given the option of leaving with a refund, or continuing to explore. To be honest, I didn't think it was that dark, so continued to explore.
By the time I left, the sun was out so the roof came down. After a short drive, I briefly stopped at the Stromeferry viewpoint, which gave fantastic views over Loch Carron. I then continued around the loch to the town of Lochcarron where I popped into the Spar and purchased a lunch consisting of Gala Pie, Dairy Milk and Diet Coke!
I then continued to the Falls of Balgy. These were reached via a short but muddy walk from the road and were spectacular, with the river running fast. Typically, it decided to rain it this point.
I then continued to the Torridon Countryside Centre and Deer Museum. National Trust Scotland own and run the estate. In the centre was a very interesting short film of the area. A short walk down the lane led to the deer enclosure and museum. The walk continued to Loch Torridon before going back to the Centre via the villages of Fasag and Torridon. I almost made it back to the car before it rained again.
My next stop was the Ben Eighe Visitor Centre, near Kinlochewe. Again, this had interesting displays of the area, plus a number of trails from the Centre. I decided to follow the Buzzard Trail. Although I didn't see any, it was a very pleasant walk and this time I just about made it to the Minx before it rained.
A little further up the road I stopped a Victoria Falls by Loch Maree. Although only a short walk along a gravel path from the car park, as I made my way there it decided to rain again. However, this did create the bonus of a rainbow as I looked back over Loch Maree.
It was then only a 1 mile drive to the Loch Maree Hotel, where my room overlooks the loch. I dined at the hotel on roast lamb followed by apple crumble.
Today I drove 113 miles, and we passed the 1,000 miles milestone since leaving home - in just 7 driving days!
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