We had a lazy morning yesterday as we wanted to visit the Talisker Distillery shop but that didn’t open until 10.00 so we were there as they opened the doors! On our way off the island, we stopped at Sligachan Old Bridge and picked up some scrummy seafood for lunch from a shack by the road.

In order to get to our campsite for the night, we went along Loch Carron before going over the Bealach na Ba pass which is over 2,000 feet above sea level and very windy! It was a single track road with passing places although the road at times was literally the width of the van with a sheer cliff face on one side. Not to be attempted in either a long vehicle or in winter. Great views from the top and fun to drive.

We arrived at Applecross campsite (P4N#31536), the first one of the trip, around 15.30 so we could enjoy the views across the loch and chill for the afternoon. Liz went exploring and found all manor of things on the campsite whilst Jo sat and had a beer!

On Saturday morning, the weather had changed a little with less sun but still windy. We made our way northwards along the coastal road, which again was a single track with passing places but this time they were slightly wider.

We looked back at Sand Beach just outside Applecross before making our way to Torridon Countryside Centre to see the red deer. Unfortunately, the walk was too far for Jo so we abandoned that idea. However, we did spot Hamish the Highland Cattle.

As we drove through Benn Eighe National Reserve we realised how barren and desolate it felt and yes, it was still a single track road! We went to Slattadale to view Loch Maree but was somewhat underwhelmed, especially as there were flying insects of some description! We went onto a delightful waterfall called Victoria Falls just off the road into Gairloch.

However, before we went into Gairloch, we went over a narrow bridge down another single track road to Badachro that had a distillery (closed on a Saturday) and a pub.

We had planned to stay in Gairloch overnight but we were there around 14.00 so we decided not to stay but continue on.

We managed to get to Inverewe Gardens an hour or so before it shut and hired a mobility scooter for Jo to buzz about on with Liz chasing behind. Lovely, extensive gardens that would be even nicer in a month or so.

We had planned to visit Mellon Udrigle beach tomorrow (Sunday) but we found a campsite there (S4S-S522172S) right by the beach in a gorgeous spot. It’s very much a back to nature site with only self contained vehicles, no hook up and no facilities so that’s our overnight stay sorted!

Miles since last blog: 168

Miles this trip: 961