Western Highlands Grand Scenery

WEDNESDAY- After Leaving the Isle of Skye we headed north through the western highlands of Scotland. Driving in this part of Scotland involves many twists and turns around the numerous lochs and mountains and plenty of climbs and descends. Around every corner there was more grand scenery. The weather was good although the cloud was building and the wind was starting to freshen. The forecasts for tomorrow were not good.

Late morning we stopped by a loch for a coffee break. Across the loch were some high peaks. On the map we noticed a minor road that climbed up into these peaks so decided to take this road. This road is called 'The Pass of the Cattle'. From sea level we climbed over 2,000 feet in a short time along a narrow, windy road to the pass and then back down to the sea. Very interesting!

While driving along the coast we stopped for a photo. There was a ketch sailing north and a couple of other powered vessels heading south and we also noticed a submarine heading south in the channel between the mainland and the Isle of Skye.

Most of the fencing in this area is high to keep deer in (or out). And where these fences are built is quite amazing. Regularly we saw them disappearing up the steep slopes, not envying the people who had to construct them.

We stayed the night at Gairloch, a small crofting town built beside a loch. These days tourism adds to the crofting income.

THURSDAY - We continued north winding our way around more lochs and mountains. It was raining for much of the day. Visibility was reduced considerably at times and the mountain peaks were covered by cloud however the warm south wind kept the temperature comfortable for us. We stopped for fuel and refreshments at Ullapool. There is a ferry that departs from here for the Isle of Lewis.

During the afternoon we turned east along the northern Scottish coastline. The bays, golden beaches and headlands were a pleasant change to the lochs and mountains.

We stayed at the Betty Hill Hotel. Again, the views were special.

Tomorrow, we turn south to Inverness where we will stay the weekend with our friends Donald and Bev who lived in Darwin some years ago.

The Eilean Donan Castle on the Scottish mainland near the Isle of Skye bridge. 

Lots of Lochs! For those not familiar with Scotland, it is worth a look at a map  to see the number of lochs and the rugged and wild nature of this part of Scotland.

Coffee break time - we drove up through those mountains and over the  'Pass of the Cattle'.

After climbing part way to the  'Pass of the Cattle' we had a great view of the sea loch.

But  road still went on and up! They are not big on roadside barrier fencing in Scotland.

And the road continued on and up even more. The wind was very strong at this point making it difficult to hold the camera still while taking a photo.

A submarine - hopefully it is a friendly one!

The sun breaks through the cloud to light up the mountain in the background.

A mountain stream in a glen.

The cloud builds during the afternoon and covers this peak.

Gairloch, where we stayed a night.

Thursday morning the rain arrived. These highland sheep think they own the roads.

Clouds and rain are very much a part of life in this country.

A pebble beach on sea loch. The further north we go the less people we see.

The remains in this photo are of an old McLeod castle.

Along the north coast of Scotland there are many bays and beaches like this one - all rimmed by rocky cliffs and headlands.

Tree plantations on the other side of the loch.

Some more rain coming!

The view from the Betty Hill Hotel near Tongue on the north coast of Scotland.