NC500 Part 4

We started the day recovering from a stormy night. A couple of tents around us were flat on the floor by morning light. We went to bed after a good cup of tea. I’m not sure how well we slept as I heard the wind and the rain on numerous occasions during the night. The £99 tent stood up to its claim of being waterproof (to 3000 mm) and stormproof. 

Coffee was at the cutest little hut which had an amazing view across Loch Eriboll. The owner, an elderly gentleman, hailed from Yorkshire and made excellent cakes and scones. It was well worth stopping. 

The scenery along the north coast is just as majestic but entirely different from the west coast. I’ll leave you to enjoy it for yourself. 

The next stretch brought us to Thurso. The scenery is changing but the variety is engaging. I love this touring life. Keep watching there’s still more to come. 

NC500 Part 3

We left Gairloch around lunchtime with the intention of heading up the west coast to Durness. It was fascinating talking to the locals as I had worked in Gairloch 35 years ago. I have included a picture of the Bank. This is apparently the third bank building in Gairloch though I worked in the second one which was a Swiss Chalet building. 

We stopped at Ullapool for lunch and tasted the wonders of Steak & Haggis pie and Breakfast pie (square sausage, egg, bacon i.e. the works). It was a brilliant treat. 

The remainder of the drive was mainly on one track roads in rain and mist. The weather enhances the Scottish scenery as opposed to ruining it. 

Stage 4 to Wick tomorrow - I’m sure you can’t wait. 

NC500 Part 2

The beauties of Wester Ross continue to amaze me. Here is a series of pictures we took as we traveled from Applecross through Shieldaig, Torridon, Loch Maree finally arriving in Gairloch. 

I worked in Gairloch 35 years ago and despite there being a new Bank building (apparently it was built 20 years ago) nothing much has changed. 

The camp site (Big Sands) was amazing. Fantastic shower block, great kitchen facilities and a brilliant cafe/restaurant. All in all a great experience of camping.