Weekend delights & the plot flattens

Four weeks on and the promised (threatened?) visit to see progress on the build is underway. A day's leave booked, B&B booked in Morvich as Skye was full, bags packed and we were off. 
Did I mention that the weather was set fair? Revise that last statement, the weather was warm and sunny. In Scotland. In June. 

Thinking that we could beat the sloooow drivers, we were off early - for a Saturday - and on the road just after 08.00. A good plan but but foiled just after Doune when the red Audi that pulled out in front of us proceeded at a stately 40mph all the way through Callander and along the loch. Opportunity taken to nip past but there was another and another ahead. Ho hum, enjoy the scenery then. There are plenty of laybys available for these drivers to pull over and let those of us on a mission to pass but that would be too simple. 


So, some time later we stopped at Rannoch Moor for breakfast (taken with us) and views of the Glen Coe Munros.

Still snow in the corries of Clach Liathad

Rannoch Moor - nice spot for breakfast

 There were warning signs of a "World Cup event" in Fort William so we were expecting the next bit to be busy but it wasn't too bad. Mountain bike world cup but already started by the time we passed through. As today was never going to be a quick drive, we stopped in a couple of places to enjoy the views.  The Glen Shiel stop for lunch was beautiful with reflections in the loch, hot sun and a ripple of a breeze. 

Decided to spend the rest of the day as a tourist, buying maps in preparation for tomorrow, ice creams, views etc etc Lovely! 

Skye Bridge with the Cuillins behind from Dornie lochside

Then checked in to our (very reasonably priced) B&B situated along a private road with stunning views of the Kintail mountains and Loch Duich. To Dornie for a pub dinner then a stroll along the shore near to Eilean Donan Castle. Here we witnessed a wedding on the island complete with full Scottish tradition, guests in kilts and a piper. On top of that we had perfect reflections and a definite lack of midges. Back to the B&B and an early night ready for tomorrow.  

Over the sea to Skye - OH YES!

Eilan Donan castle plus perfect reflections. What a spot for a wedding

The sun rises at 04.00 at the moment; we know this as the window in our bedroom faces east and despite drawing the curtains, it is very light very early. A good Scottish breakfast sets us up for the day. No driving today, we walk from the B&B. Up the glen, through woodland then on to the path that climbs up through the glen, quite gently at first then more steeply. Coffee stop in the middle of a river which would be tricky to cross in wetter weather. 

Wouldn't fancy this crossing after the rain!

Shall we, shan't we??

Here we turn back a couple in their seventies who have missed the path to a waterfall. At this point of the walk, we still have three options. Further up we reach the junction of paths and it is decided, we turn left and head up to Beinn Fhada. Considering this is a Munro, the path is very forgiving - steep at times but plenty of zigs and zags to get us there. We were drinking water by the litre as it was so hot. Eventually we popped out over the rim with a stunning view to the corries. Still snow remaining up here too despite the heat. 

Corrie rim at around 850m

Beinn Fhada summit with cornices still visible

 Had our lunch on the summit ridge admiring the view back into Glen Affirc and across to the NW Highlands. Then back down the same winding path and eventually back to the B&B. All water drunk, food eaten, feet very hot and 10.1 miles recorded plus almost 1,000 metres of ascent. What a day. A quick shower then to the pub for a tasty dinner. Chips featured on both menu choices tonight. Enjoyed with that smug feeling of a well deserved treat. 

Monday dawns still warm and sunny. Off we go, over the bridge and along the road which will soon be the road home. As we approach Fernilea and the house plot, we spot Neil and two people in high-vis vests and they are standing on a cleared plot. Surrounded by mounds and heaps of mud, peat, stones and a few rocks. 

Boots on and down we troop. As we go through the pleasantries, we exchanged weekend stories and realise that we actually met our builder on top of Berinn Fhada yesterday. He and a mate had stopped and chatted as we had our lunch. He was wearing a bandana to protect his head from the sun so that was our excuse for not recognising him. 

So finally, the photos. A flat patch with many mounds of earth but with the house outline staked out. 

This will be our bedroom with mezzanine above

View from the dining area, patio and our bedroom (minus the mound of peat)

Cleared plot from back towards the road. Bluebells on the croft,  loch in the background

A couple of decisions regarding how far forward we wanted the house to be then we watched as they staked out the access road. Then that was it. No need for another visit for a few months unless we want to see the concrete slab and services being connected. 

A quick stop in Broadford for shopping then home through Glen Coe where the weather changed and the clouds rolled in. A great weekend and the build is on!  

Now all we have to do is pay for it, receive build reports and photos - which we will share on here and plan the big move. 

That's us for now - keep watching for updates.  Build end date?  22nd March so now we can really say "This time next year"