Stac Pollaidh (Stac Polly)

This morning the river Kirkaig flowed angrily after the rain fell heavily most of the night. A group of fishermen and women arrived just after nine. Rods and flys at the ready. Angela, a little nervous about the forthcoming drive steeled herself once the rain stopped and steered Marge straight up a very steep hill. It became worse from then on. Narrow, blind bends, low walls, drops of the edge of the road, oncoming traffic, lorries, vans and our worst nightmare hire campervans. Back up. I can’t Marge. Get a grip girl. It’s all about the journey not the destination. One of your quotes isn’t it? Forget do something everyday that scares or even petrifies you. This was one step on. Do something today that may cause Angela to have a cardiac arrest.

Eventually the road widened, just a little bit. We had arrived at the Coignach peninsula. A beautiful landscape of far reaching views across moorland, lochs and mountains. The rain long gone, the sun out, and the wind light.

Warm enough not to really need a coat while we walked on Achnaird beach. A vast expanse of flat sand adorned with rocks and large specimens of seaweed. Todays forecast was an 88% of heavy rain. We were glad the forecast was wrong. Despite the mild weather we ate bowls of soup for lunch. Parked in front of Marge were a couple we’d spent Monday and Tuesday night next to. John had a catch up with them. It’s always good to share experiences and  find out where people are overnighting.

More careful driving this afternoon along the south of the peninsula. The views to the Summer Isles were fantastic. They looked dark and moody in the afternoon light. Turning back on ourselves we began looking for somewhere to spend the night, but couldn’t find anywhere suitable so decided to head to Ullapool just ten miles away. Stop Marge. Pull in to this parking area there’s another van here. It was the car park for the walk up to Stac Pollaidh, more commonly known as Stac Polly. The owners of the other van were staying for a second night, so we decided to join them.

Behind Marge Stac Pollaidh sits. You two going to climb up there? Yes Marge, weather permitting we’ll walk up in the morning.

Tonight Angela is tired. The stressful driving had taken its toll. Stress, what do you think it’s like for me, poor old Margery. Not only have I got drivers heading straight for me, I’ve got you at my wheel. Charming.