But another beautiful part of Scotland which we also like in terms of "could we live here?"
I am writing this looking out of our bedroom window across Gruinard Bay; the sea and mountains combining to produce yet another stunning end of the day.
We set out to walk from the green hut near Loch Maree as planned but stormy weather distracted us with a photo opportunity after the first hill.
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| Minutes later the view had been obliterated by the storm |
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Eventually carried on through Poolewe and Gairloch always having a wary eye on the weather which was interesting today. Decided on impulse to turn right and take the 9 mile single track road to Redpoint. This is a far as you can go before you would hit Loch Torridon - if you had a boat. We were now opposite Skye's Trotternish peninsula with great views of the Cuillins in the distance, islands in the Minch and very close to the sea. Passed a sign for a pub, this is a rarety in this part of the world, and we logged its location for later. The road ends at a parking area overlooking yet another beautiful beach.
Two carloads of people dressed for the weather in a selection of Harris tweed type garments with the kind of children (loud) that you might associate with the country set arrived just after we did. However, the beach has room for all and they head energetically for a large sand dune. We follow the stream and hit the beach. We watch the storm clouds gather over Skye then realise that this beach is next on the hit list - we have already walked to the headland so prepare to get wet!
We put to use the large selection of waterproof clothing available to us, finish our walk then head back to the car where we realise that the morning and some of the afternoon has disappeared. Scrub the pub lunch then.
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| Redpoint beach; a stormy Sky(e) in the distance |
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There is also a good view of the distant mountains; the rain and hail we experience falls as snow on their lofty heights.
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| Fresh snow; it is a littloe chilly today even at sea level. |
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We head back towards Altbea to visit the Perfume Studio which also boasts a cafe - we are in need of food by now. This turns out to be 3 miles down yet another single track road but is not the shack predicted by Gary. In fact it is a modern, cosy cafe serving good food with a perfume / soap workshop attached. We eat well again and watch the NATO ships excercising out of the window.
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| NATO ship running before the next storm as viewed from outside the Aroma Cafe |
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We decide to visit a couple more beaches before returning to the Love Croft. One of these has sand so soft you sink in very quickly - too quickly for me and we have to retreat. Gary takes some nice photos using my sit on mat to avoind the damp ground. The results are worth it I think.
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| Little Gruinard Bay |
The other couple staying at the B&B had told us about a beach off (you guessed it) a single track road close to the house, where they had searched for the otters that have been seen there recently. So we drive off and find a hidden gem of a white sand, turquoise water, breaking waves type beach but no otters. We do spy a perfectly formed Hebrideam Contemporary Home in the most wonderful position. We can but dream.
Back to the Love Croft where we order a last breakfast and get ready to head off north and east to the Great Glen for tomorrow night.
This holiday / new life search is coming to an end - we have plenty to think about.
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