Laggan

Yesterday evening after looking at the weather forecast for the west coast of Scotland over next few days, we decided we must move inland. Rain, rain and more rain. Decision made we set the alarm for an early start as the forecast for today was high winds of 45 mph and we had to drive Marge over the Skye bridge by 10.30 am. 

We were ready to leave just before nine this morning. Right Marge let's do this. Her exit from Skye was supposed to be sedate, shopping, toilet emptying, water topped up, that had all gone out the window. Marge on the run, we focused on the journey, the wind gusting in places throwing Marge a little.

The cloud was low, but the scenery still stunning in its own way. We did quickly stop for fuel. Come on, I'm a celebrity get me out of here. Alright Marge. 

Sat in the car park in the Kyle of Lochalsh we caught our breath. What had just happened, we passed over the bridge with relative ease. The wind was behind us, not catching us broadside which had been our fear. However, as we regrouped over a coffee, outside the wind speed increased. Angela went to the shops, and a lady commented on it being a wild day. After finalising our route, we headed off towards Glen Shiel. Just a couple miles along the road our first stop. 

The Murchison memorial, found at the end of a short pretty walk-through silver birch trees and fungi. Then Eilean Donan castle appeared in sight, so we turned in. A very nice parking attendant allowed us to park free for a couple of minutes to photograph the castle.

Then a beautiful drive passing close to the mountains, the Five Sisters towering above us. Stunning. At one point we pulled over to let the traffic pass by.

Another van pulled in as well. A couple we had met on our third night away at the Caerlaverlock castle site, Ken and Sandy emerged from it. John had told them about Ardtoe on the Ardumurchan peninsula. On his advice they visited there, staying for two nights and loved it. We chatted for a while about our trips and heard how they stopped at campsites to do their washing. You want one of these. From Marge we produced our bucket. It's the latest model, collapsible for easy storage. If Marge had her way, she'd have a twin tub installed in her. Bidding them safe travelling we also set off. 

A late lunch at Glen Garry viewpoint car park turned in to 'one of those moments'. A piper arrived and began entertaining us. John asked him to play Amazing Grace in memory of his late mother. It has to be said there wasn't a dry eye in the house, was there Marge? After, the piper pointed across the road, a five-minute walk would take us to a point where we would see a view of the loch in the shape of mainland Scotland. Which we did. It was surreal. 

Tonight, we are staying amongst the trees at Laggan Loch.

On one side of the lock is Loch Lochy, and the other, Loch Oich which leads into the Caledonian canal and on to Loch Ness. The wind is still persisting, but during the night it should blow itself out. We are a little sad to have had to abandon our journey further up the west coast, but hey, we're not done yet, there's more of Scotland we want to visit before returning home.

The Raspberries are very few and far between at this time of the year unfortunately.