Time to crack open the champagne

Mission accomplished!

The planners have made their decision and  
WE HAVE FULL PLANNING PERMISSION
Game on then.

Luckily we headed over to Skye last weekend and met with Dualchas on Monday to set about planning the detail of our NEW HOUSE. Ian was quite confident after his discussion with planning officer's boss that all would be well and we thought a short break on Skye is never wasted.

Considered the interior finishes - white walls (Gary very pleased), pale wood accents, pale wooden stairs, lots of glass, minimal window coverings, glossy white kitchen and tiled floor throughout the ground floor. I did manage to get my blue, slightly sparkling, worktop agreed for the kitchen. Externally we will have the corrugated roof, wood clad walls and beautifully matched in windows and doors. Add to that plenty of wall hangings, pictures and rugs for splashes of colour and you should be getting the picture.

We have worked up a schedule which should see the builders (whoever they are) on site in October - giving us a finished house by June 2013. So the timing works. Also sorted out the budget bits that were unclear so we have a better idea of what to budget for and when.

Next steps - commission a structural engineer and M&E engineer to assist with foundations, structure and how we heat the house. We have plenty of ideas after visiting the renovating and home building show in Glasgow last weekend. Also have a few contacts so will get onto that one early next week.
We also need to find man with digger (local) to dig the holes for the structural engineer.

We stayed at a lovely B&B which was literally at the end of a road outside of Broadford right at the foot of a pretty big hill. The only noise was the birds outside the window - they were very loud!
Large rooms, comfy beds, good breakfasts and the host was a guide on Skye tours so very knowledgeable about the island. The other two people staying were on their first visit to Skye and had been out climbing / walking / scrambling every day.

As for the weather - it was blue skies, sunshine and a bit of a breeze. Just the sort of weather to be working in the roof level at Dualchas. 
Two good dinners in Broadford and gorgeous views back to the mainland - dolphins in the bay which we think we spotted after they were pointed out to us.  

Reflections in Broadford bay - snow-capped mountains in the far distance

Also drove back most of the way to Elgol for more Cuillin photos before being stopped by road repairs and traffic queues and turning round. Sat by the loch instead and enjoyed the sun and the views for a while.

Bla Bheinn - looking very different from our last visit

View across Loch Slapin - a nice spot for a break

We did have some free time so explored Armadale where the ferry from Mallaig comes in. It looked so nice that we decided to go home that way on Tuesday and booked a ticket there and then. Spent several pleasant hours wandering around, out to a seal and otter hide in a private (community) owned woodland and had a nice lunch from a small shack that was tardis-like in its ability to feed a never-ending stream of hungry visitors.Will return to the Donald (clan) centre when we are residents as it will cost us 50p rather than £6.50 each.

The trip home was via the ferry, stops on white sand beaches at Morar (could be the Caribbean), Fort William and finally a stop in Glen Coe for lunch and the Green Welly in Tyndrum before arriving in Fishcross at around 17.00.

Just three days at work this week - have been busy but always with an eye on the emails just in case there was news. And now we have it - such a good feeling.

So a wee celebration is on the cards this evening, drink may be taken and toasts made.

After all this time, we are finally certain of where we will be living, what we will be living in and when. Now it's just the croft to sort out.

Further updates and, of course, plans and photos as we progress to follow.

Now, where did I save the Grand Designs details? Kevin McCloud, we're heading your way. 

NB: One of the most disconcerting sights in a Scottish heat wave is the sheer number of very pale people who insist on stripping off at the first hint of sun, becoming bright red as a result and parading their fearsome burns (and bodies) for all to see. Not pretty and almost certain to be a problem for the NHS in future years.

Planners!!! and Cobblers

Which to consider first?

Planners refers to the personal opinion of one of the Highland Council's planners, and our case officer, which means that we are having to reconsider the larch shingles that we were going to clad the house with. The good news - all other aspects of the house design, site layout, access road etc are fine. It's just that this particular planner doesn't like larch / shingles. As we are more concerned with the inside of the house this is not a major set back but it seems wrong that one individual's personal opinion can delay approval. No, there is no problem with failing to meet the considerations of the local plan, no we are not in breach of any regulation, simple fact is that we could appeal and win. Do we have the will, cash, appetite to do this - no we don't. We just want to get on with it.


So, Ian from Dualchas has been very quickly back to the drawing board and sends us some options. He is suggesting a "corrugated" material that would make the house look like many of the original buildings in this part of Skye. (agricultural sheds and crofts) We consider this but, while we like it for the roof, not sure about the whole house. Settle on a corrugated roof with - wait for it - larch cladding (not shingles) on the walls and gable ends. Will still look very clean and modern and will still be clad in wood. There is a good example of the style we are talking about on the Dualchas website. http://www.dualchas.com/index.php/Private-Residential/Boreraig-Isle-of-Skye.html
We will be keeping the colours neutral, grey roof like the one at Boreraig above and the wood cladding will eventually fade to a gentle silvered colour.  Quite happy with this but more than a little irritated by the delay. We are now a week past the stated decision date. Ian is confident that he will get a positive decision out of the planner this week. 

Cobblers - a bit of poetic license with Ben Arthur AKA The Cobbler, which we climbed last Sunday. Fellow posters on Walkhighlands suggested this as a good mountain to tackle after Ben Lomond. Took their advice and enjoyed a tough but interesting day on the hill. This is yet another popular mountain so we were off bright and early and eating breakfast in the car park at Arrochar by 09.00. A large sign told us we had to pay & display (previously free) but it was the grand sum of £1 for the whole day - bargain.

This walk starts off on easy zig-zags up through the forest. The zigs and zags getting steeper with every turn. Good views back to Ben Lomond and down Loch Long.    

View of Loch Long - very still at this point in the day

Ben Lomond - our route from last week can be clearly seen

Carried on up until we emerged from the trees and got our first view of The Cobbler and Ben Narnain.

Distinctive shape of our destination. Fellow walker in red on the path.

The path was busy with a variety of people in a variety of clothing. We could see the weather closing in ahead. We decided to stop by the famous Narnain Boulders, which are huge rocks in the middle of the path. As we enjoyed our coffee, the threatened weather arrived. Not rain, not sleet, not hail (more of that later) but huge great snowflakes. It was like being inside one of those snow domes where you shake the glass bubble and the snow swirls around. We walked on with the snow being blown straight into our faces - cool!

Snowstorm in May

Arrived at what looked like a small lochain on the map but turned out to be a damp hollow in reality. We could see all the way down to the rest and be thankful car park. You may have heard of this stretch of road as it has been mostly closed due to rockfall recently. (The detour was something like 47 miles) Anyway, all open again and quite busy. We also spied out the route onwards to Ben Ime. This is a steep old Munro.

This was where the path splits and our way went left and up, up, up a very steep staircase. If you have seen Lord of the Rings and the stair to Shelob's lair, it was a more airy version of this. Despite the number of people out and about, they all dispersed here and we climbed alone apart from a very fit young lady who passed us easily and disappeared from view. We finally rounded the shoulder and could see the summit above. 

The path became much more eroded here but was no problem. Stopped at a col for the view straight back down towards Loch Long. Steep. We both thought the path leading away from here was our return route, didn't fancy it so agreed we would just retrace our steps. 

Reached the fairly small summit plateau - although the "real" summit rock is reached by "threading the needle" and climbing up onto the sloping, polished rocks above with a very close view of the sheer drop beyond. The needle is a small hole in the rocks that you squeeze through before hauling yourself up onto the final even smaller summit. Decided this wasn't for us and watched a few valiantly threading, though no-one tried the final few steps.


A cold wind was blowing so we found shelter away from the crowds and ate our lunch in peace and quiet. Ventured above the shelter of the rocks for some dramatic photos of the surrounding mountains and lochs. We could see for miles and miles. 

View towards Arran

The actual summit rocks on the left in profile. Sheer drop below.

Ben Ime and weather heading towards us - time to go

 What we could also see was the weather deteriorating again so packed up and headed back to the col. During lunch we had watched as many people popped up from just beyond the col. When we got there, we could see the huge great cairn marking the top of the real descent path we had plotted. It looked OK at the top with stairs carved from the rock and there were kids, dogs and poorly clad teenagers coming up so we decided that we would go down that way.


By now the hail had started in earnest. Polystyrene type balls of ice which clumped together and made the rocks slippy and tricky. The path down became a rocky scramble within about 15 steps of the top. We continued down carefully, negotiating a few very steep gullies. Found a bypass path for one but the only way down a couple of them was to sit and slide. Luckily Gary's legs are much longer than mine and he was able to go first and steady my slide down!


Several of those coming up looked taken aback by how steep and scrambly it was and some had to lift their dogs up the gullies. We descended reasonable quickly, passing a couple who looked terrified and were moving very slowly indeed. The rocks were wet and icy in places so I suppose better to be slow and safe. As always just when you think you've made it down safely, a final scramble down a stream bed got us to what was, in comparison, a motorway of a track. No wonder some of those coming up looked shocked - led along a nice, surfaced path then here's the mountain as nature intended. Decided we would go up this way in the future and come back down the stairs. Once we are much fitter, we could carry on to Ben Narnain and down over the ridge. Would be quite a lot of height to regain and a couple of extra miles. One for later then.


Picked up the main track back past the boulders and into the trees again. We had spied a perfect bench for our last cup of coffee and raced others on the track until we reached it and bagged it. No-one else knew what we were doing but as we settled ourselves on the (wet) seat, a group of four arrived looking slightly miffed that the seat was taken. Ha.

Returned to the car, changed into clean dry clothes and drove home. The next day both of us were suffering from "lowerer's arm" Shoulders and arms aching from lowering ourselves and our rucsacks down the hill.   

Yesterday (Saturday) we headed to Glasgow for some retail therapy. Very enjoyable and how nice to rediscover John Lewis again. Travelled by train direct from Alloa - very easy journey straight to the shops. Will be back for stocking up on stuff before we move to Skye.

Next weekend is the home building show at the SEC in Glasgow. We have complimentary tickets and a large list of must-sees / questions to ask. Could be a tiring one but it will allow us to make some decisions about the house and how it will be built. 

Then, if all has gone well with the planners, we will be off to Skye to meet with Ian and do the detailed work on the specification sheets. Hoping to call in at our solicitors in Fort William on the way back to sign the papers and complete the sale. 


Watch this space.



 

Ben Lomond AKA Ben Sparkle

So here we are - another weekend when the north-south divide in the weather means  - for a change - that we are enjoying a weekend of glorious blue skies, snowy mountain tops and, wait for it, sun! While the southern half of Britain cowers under grey skies, torrential rain and gale force winds.
So, an easy day on Saturday with an eye on an early start for our first real Munro, Ben Lomond.
Away from Alloa by 08.00, easy drive to Rowarddenan, parked up in the surprisingly busy carpark and enjoyed our breakfast. NB: car park machines not in use so free to park.
We had studied the maps and routes (not absolutely necessary for such a popular hill) and had decided to make it as circular and go up the rocky ridge way and down the "tourist" path.
We watched a bunch of cyclists strip their bikes and themselves in preparation for the next part of their challenge - a run up the hill. With much shouting encouragement and a few choice words they were off and silence reigned again. 
Changed and ready for the off, we took the much less travelled Ptarmigan ridge route. I was pleasantly surprised at how nicely the well defined path contoured the mountain with zigs and zags when the ground got steep. I recommend ham and cheese sandwiches for breakfast - I got my energy from somewhere and felt very comfortable going steeply up. The views opening up back down Loch Lomond were stunning. We carried on up, playing leapfrog with a group of older gentlemen from the Manchester area, eventually choosing a nice spot for our first coffee break.

View from coffee spot - lovely

 Refreshed, we carried on up until we reached the summit of Ptarmigan, then we had to lose some height (not good) to pick up the ridge and onwards to the base of the cone that forms the slopes leading to the summit of Ben Lomond. It was at this point that we hit the snowline. Gorgeous views across to the Crianlarich hills, the highlands and the mountains of Arran over the sea.

Loch Lomond from much higher up

Under normal circumstances, ie no snow, this would have been an interesting scramble / climb. Today it was certainly interesting! Very steep, old snow, new snow all laced with slippy ice amid a scattering of sharp rocks. Looked lovely but resulted in some raised adrenaline levels to reach the top. As we climbed over the edge of the final slope, it was like entering another world. Many, many people were enjoying the summit and celebrating making it to the top via the tourist path. Surprised a couple of people by almost popping up in the middle of their lunchbox. Much chortling as we took a few photos and left the trig point and the crowds to find somewhere sheltered for our lunch break.

View north east

View back towards home

Out to sea - our route up was along this ridge in the foreground

After a break in the sunshine sheltered from the wind we packed up and started the long slog back down to the car. An easy path with the odd tricky rocky bit thrown in. Not a walk in the park but it seemed to take forever to get back through the forest to the car. 


The plan was to change out of our sweaty walking gear, clean up and eat dinner at the pub in Balmaha. But we were too early for dinner so a quick change, a sit by the loch to drink the welcome cold drink waiting for us in the car and a drive home to revamp our dinner plans.

Home tired but happy with faces glowing with the effect of a touch of the sun.

Oh, The title ? - Everything sparkled today - the rocks, the soil, the snow, the loch. Just beautiful.

Anyway - today (Monday) our architects are meeting with the planners. We wait with bated breath for the outcome. decision should be made by 8 May but we hope to get some idea of what this might be this week.

Meanwhile the world of work awaits to distract me for another week.

Killin time and where's Leny?

A bit of a pun there - have just spent a peaceful Easter weekend that included a lazy day, a shopping day, a climbing day and an exploring day.

Today we explored Killin and surrounding area. Up the good old A84 but this time we turned off half way down the hill that leads to Crianlarich (and has some of the best views of the higher mountains) On through a tunnel of forest and down to Killin. Briefly saw the Falls of Dochart from the car once we had negotiated the sharp left to cross the bridge - following a towed caravan so on-coming traffic kept well clear. If there was one place that could do with traffic lights, this is it.
Parked up (for free, tick in the box) and wandered through the village. Found a good outdoors shop that rented / sold snowshoes. Had been searching all winter so will return in the autumn when it snows again and rent a pair for the day then purchase if good. Very helpful in the shop too. We like Killin - Marie and John said we would!

We then walked through the trees to Loch Tay and found our way back via the river bank - a nice little circular, although if the river was anything like flowing it would be difficult if not impossible to do the return bit of the circle. Plenty of debris on the path to remind us that nature was in charge not too long ago. Saw plenty of people fishing and a family picnicking on the sandy beach. 

A couple of pics of Loch Tay from the Killin end. April skies - with the showers soon to follow!

 
Decided to eat out (no provisions with us) and had lunch at The Smiddy - very good, freshly cooked food with friendly service and a nice dining area. Walked back up to see the falls - water flowing quite fast but shame the bridge is the best place for a photo - you take you life in your hands just crossing the bridge let alone setting up for a pic.


Drove east along Loch Tay towards Kenmore, searching for the Ben Lawers Hotel, just to check it out as a starting point for a future walk. Didn't get as far as the hotel, but plenty of campsites, static and mobile pitches plus a range of lodges, heated teepees and yurts. No wonder there were so many motorhomes / vans / caravans on this road. Spotted the road to the nature reserve, where we can tackle Ben Lawyers from in the future.

Headed home with a quick stop at Lochearnhead - nothing to see apart from a couple of jetties. Also decided to call in at the Falls of Leny - they had gone! At least the information board and parking area were desolate with no indication of where or how far to the Falls. Onwards then, back through a very busy Callander and home.


Looked up the hotel on the internet when we got home. Looks lovely with some good offers on-line. Decided it would be nice to stay overnight - especially if food & drink were available at the end of the long day on the hills with a few more steps taking you to a comfy bed.

The day of climbing (Sunday) was another round of Ben Cleuch - up The Law this time. Followed and caught a group of slow students - made us feel positively sprightly. They did have hangovers though; will take any handicap offered. Lunched in a small shelter just below the top of The Law. A force nine was blowing when we re-emerged so we hastened on with all available layers firmly on. Warm enough despite the wind-chill, we zoomed over the summit and carried on down through some deep but small snow fields and finished on the farm track as the weather came in and the clouds came down. Completed the round in just over four hours today - finally the fitness levels are returning.

Legs feeling fine today. Unlike last week when we both struggled to walk properly until at least Wednesday.


It's all a distraction really until the planners at the Highland Council make their decision. Consultation period finished - we can but wait. Am trying for patience and managing it some days, on others we just want it to be done. Spending useful time choosing flooring, colour schemes, bathrooms and kitchens so will be ready to roll once the call comes.

Planning application - done

A quick reminder to ourselves and anyone reading this blog. This adventure started 12 months ago when we ventured onto Skye then on to Harris and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides for a holiday with a vague idea and a big dream that perhaps we might live here someday. A year further on and that dream is going to become a reality.

That's it then - full planning application submitted so now the wait for between four and eight weeks to find out if permission is granted. The Highlands Council has a comprehensive planning section on its website where you can track progress and receive email alerts if anything changes. Needless to say, this site is now bookmarked as a favourite and visited regularly just to check out any comments or changes. The latest date for a decision - according to the website - is 8 May. 

Promising letter from solicitors, confirming that the Scottish Ministers have agreed to the sale of the plot to us and apart from the issues of the estate's shooting rights, all other rights of access and servitude have been confirmed. Highly unlikely that anyone from the Bracadale estate will wish to charge through our fenced garden area waving a firearm, chasing an animal, but worth asking for an exclusion just in case. We will have to commit to putting a stock-proof fence around the plot within three months of purchase - OK then, if that's what it takes. Whenever we hear or see the phrase the Scottish Ministers, can't help but imagine the First Minister, Alex Salmond himself, walking over the plot and deciding it will be fine to sell it to us - with a few conditions. 

We are back on Skye with the aim of meeting up with a heating systems expert, checking out some local suppliers and taking the opportunity of calling in on Dualchas should we think of anything we need to discuss. Too early to make a start on the detailed room plans but you never know what might occur to you - usually at 2 a.m.when the subconscious recalls that niggle you can't articulate during daylight hours!

Spent yesterday lurking amongst the fairy pools in Glen Brittle - well the weather was just too good to miss an opportunity to hit the lower Cuillins. This is a truly magical walk. Only five and a half miles in a circle but what a circle it is. Clear aquamarine water flowing through rocky gorges and through the bedrock where it has carved out swirls and hollows into the most amazing shapes. There are waterfalls and a carved underwater arch. The water is so clear that pebbles and sand are visible on the river bed. To add to the delights, the river walk takes you into the hidden depths of the Cuillins and suddenly you are up close to the magnificent coires and rockfaces of the 3,000ft mountains.

View back to Glen Brittle forest

Reflection of a beautiful day at the Fairy Pools

Fairy pools with Cuillin ridge peeking out behind

The return path crosses the hillside, giving more spectacular views down into Glen Brittle then you meet the track to Sligachan and follow it back down the hillside. Crossing several burns on the way and wondering how easy this would be after heavy rainfall? Wet feet at the very least is my guess. Stopped for our final coffee below another fine waterfall just before the carpark but completely hidden from view.  Watched a minibus load of people pile out and walk to the pools; glad we had them to ourselves this morning.


Today was dreich, so we lazed away the morning, tried and failed to find the beach at Talisker Bay then went to meet Alistair from Ecoheat who had many fine wood burning stoves in his showroom (front room) and a wealth of knowledge about heating systems and solar panels. Took home another load of brochures and are getting to understand exactly what we want for the house. Considering the benefit of hot water heating via a woodburner too. Lots of ideas running through the minds. Hope the next suppliers / experts we meet don't confuse our thinking.

Met quite a few future neighbours / fellow residents. Mostly in the local pub or shop! Once they know where we are planning to build we get into the "is that next to so and so's croft or is that near the croft with the Jacob's sheep?" Unsure yet who is who or what sheep are what but everyone we have met so far has been very welcoming and friendly and keen to tell us what is going on locally. 


Weather slightly improved but no chance of getting up high so we aim for a nine mile walk around Glen Brittle forest. Good tracks, some good views and a couple of conveniently placed picnic tables. We think we saw a pair of eagles or sea eagles soaring above the trees but too high to get a good look. Whatever they were, they were huge. We did not see another human being during the whole of the time we were out. The walk ends up being eleven miles and quite challenging in places where the track goes on and on with no end in sight. Would have helped if I had remembered to take the route map / book but the GPS did us proud. No cars left in the car park when we returned. Final cup of coffee overlooking the hills but tops still in the cloud despite the wind tearing across the summits. 


Tomorrow we are heading for Portree to see a couple more suppliers and to hand over yet more money to the planners - this time for an advertisement in the local paper. We are tempted to go and walk around the Old Man and his cliffs again as we enjoyed it so much up there last time.


Thursday was one of those magical Skye days - pale blue spring skies, warmish sunshine, sparkling seas and lochs, a gentle cooling breeze and not too many people around. Oh, and too early for the midges to show themselves. We walked past the Old Man and reached the top of the ridge where we could literally see for miles. Lunch in a sunny, sheltered spot then ambled back to the car. Headed towards Staffin then parked up in a hidden layby where we enjoyed the vista across to the mainland, a view back to the Cuillins and no wind to speak of so reflections in the lochs. Perfection. And people ask why we want to live here?

The Old Man from our lunch spot

View from the hidden layby back to the Red Cuillins

Friday is also forecast fair and we are aiming to walk / climb up into Coir Ghrunnda, about as high in the Cuillins as a "normal" walker can get without a guide or a panic attack! Today there were white clouds flowing over the ridges and peaks which cleared by the afternoon. A beautiful sunset this evening so fingers crossed for tomorrow. The views to the small isles should be stunning and if it is clear we might even be able to see Barra and the Uists. Sat out on the deck and watched the stars this evening - no ambient light in this part of Skye so just us and the stars. Stunning, if a little cool after a while.

Well we made it as far as the lower coire but not up into the hollow where the actual lochan sits. Just too steep a scramble to contemplate after a two hour walk over stoney / rocky ground. Another couple of walkers turned around here too. Promise to return and complete the full walk once we are fitter and back in scrambling mode. The lower coire is spectacular and forbidding with grey and black rocks, exposed bedrock, a rushing burn, high rocky spires and scree slopes. Views across to Elgin would be good if there had been no mist / low cloud. The clear blue skies and sun didn't appear but we always expect the mountains create their own weather don't we?. Some moody photos instead and a brief stop for coffee at the Allt Lagan (burn) crossing on the way back, where the sun made a brief appearance.

Coire Ghrunnda a bleak & magnificent place - quite scary too!

View back to the Cuillin ridge - Sgurr Alistair the pointy one

View out to Loch Brittle

 Passed a coach (full size) from Belgium on the way back through Glen Brittle - perhaps they were hopelessly lost? I have no idea how they managed to get a coach along that road and around those bends. Good job it was relatively quiet on the roads - imagine meeting a coach and having to reverse for miles until you find a suitable passing spot.  

That's us then - another visit to Skye done and dusted. Back to Alloa and the resumption of "normal" life until we hear some news. Getting quite impatient now but all good things come to those that wait - and we have the glorious drive back through the highlands to look forward to tomorrow. 


Will report back when we have something to say - hopefully good news!

A quick visit and an interesting journey

Quite excited to be heading for the plot with a view to imagining how the house would sit, views from the bedroom and living areas we set off from Clackmannanshire early on Saturday morning. The BBC had been warning of snow and blizzard conditions in the north and west highlands so we had contingency plans ready in case we couldn't follow our usual route.
A straightforward drive to Tyndrum with the sky getting progressively darker and more threatening the further west we travelled. The snow gates were open so we headed up to Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe. Skiers' cars in the car park at Glen Coe but most of the snow was well up the mountain. The road was clear all the way through but we did hit some heavy snow showers as we drove through the glen. There were snow ploughs / gritters aplenty, doing a fine job keeping the roads nice and grippy.
Stopped beside Loch Linnhe for breakfast before continuing past Spean Bridge and up over the hill towards Invergarry. 
As we climbed the hill out of Invergarry we saw yet another snowplough / gritters convention waiting at the top of the hill. What were they waiting for??? As it turned out it was a big old stormy blizzard that hit just as we headed down to meet the A87. This is where it got interesting - heavy snow falling, driven by gusting winds with little traffic on the road. The Mitzi's 4 wheel drive engaged and we were off at 40mph through the snow feeling perfectly safe. A good test for the car which passed with flying colours. Then we met Mrs Slow in a people carrier trundling along at between 15 and 20 mph. I confess to overtaking - on a straight road in a snow storm - rather than wait behind her. Then we met the snowplough which had stopped to help the occupants of the car that had slid off the bend and hit the barrier ending up facing the on-coming traffic (us) Of course, Mrs Slow rolled up behind us as we were waiting to get going again but was soon lost to sight despite the fact that we were now following the gritter and in a parade of around 5 cars so tyre tracks to follow too.
Toilet stop in Kyle (20p and still worth it) then over the bridge, taking care in the high winds, and onwards to Carbost and Fernilea. Had dinner booked at the hotel so a light lunch was called for. Sligachan Inn - closed; The Old Inn - closed but open at 6pm (Friday and Saturday only!) Village "shop" in Carbost luckily open so a quick snack eaten in distillery carpark with a good view of the loch.
Met up with Mary and Ian at the plot and spent a happy hour wandering around, pacing out walls, courtyards and the garage much to the bewilderment of a future neighbour's small dog. Weather during this hour included snow, hail, small ice pellets, sunshine with plenty of north wind added in to the mix. A photo pf the plot below, Mary just in shot, too cold and wet to take many more, despite the apparent blue sky.

A great view of the bracken on our house plot plus a shot of our future neighbours!

Then back to Ian's house in Carbost where he had very kindly offered up his dining room for us to discuss the house plans in detail. A nice cup of tea and poppy seed muffins too. Very little changes required although we discussed the garage plan for a while. Then the tricky matter of budget with some discussion over what should be submitted to the planners. Decided it should be the larger, and more costly, footprint and we will see what the tender responses looks like.
Mary confirmed that they will submit the planning application by the end of the week. Then it is a maximum of 8 weeks for a decision; then we have to hand over the cash and the land is ours.      

As we sat in Ian's dining room, the snow showers became heavier and more frequent and as we drove back towards Broadford, the snow level had dropped considerably. Checked in to the hotel and immediately closed the window which had kindly been left open - it was a little cool outside!
A nice enough room, with no TV - at least no TV that we could find.
Getting ready for dinner, we heard a noisy car arriving - no the island snowplough has found its way down the narrow road and was happily ploughing and gritting. Very impressed.
Dinner was very masterchef and very nice. Early to bed as it had been a long day.
Still snowing gently as we closed the heavy curtains to keep the room nice and warm.

Sunday was a day for exploring and we decided to head for Elgol which is at the end of a 15 mile single track road that ends with "the best view in the UK"  It took us almost 2 hours to reach Elgol as we had to keep stopping and getting out of the car to photograph the views. This must be one of the most scenic roads ever. New and exciting views of the Cuillins, the mainland mountains and the small isles at every twist and turn.
Have included a selection for your viewing delight - I can't choose my favourite shot.

Reached Elgol and walked a very short distance along the cliffs where we watched two young lads carry an inflatable up the cliffs from the shore. Back to the car for coffee and more views. 
Decided we will return here on a later visit and take the boat trip to Loch Coruisk in the heart of the Cuillins.

Across the bay to Camuscanary

View to Cuillins from Elgol

Sun lighting up the snow on the Cuillin range

Drove back to the hotel with further stops for photos on the way as the light had changed and the cloud levels risen giving a stunning, almost black and white photo of Bla Bheinn which we intend to climb at some point. Sounded possible from the walkhighland website - having seen it in the flesh we will at least make the coire, not sure about the summit. The view from the top is meant to be another stunner. 

Bla Bheinn - aiming to get up there when the snow goes

Drove home on the Monday morning through wild, windy and torrential rain - what drought??
A lovely weekend and we enjoyed bed, breakfast, dinner and drinks for less than the cost of two nights B&B. Very good value indeed.


Now just waiting for confirmation that planning application has been submitted and we can get moving on building.

We have a plan!

It's not a cunning plan - it's a plan for our new house.
Mary and Ian from Dualchas have delivered against the detailed brief we provided for them and with only one re-draft we are nearly there.
The house has been sited to take advantage of the views to the loch and the Cuillin mountains. Plenty of glass, plenty of space to live in and, if we can afford it, a mezzanine level that will be light, airy and float above the lounge space. Two decent-sized bedrooms with plenty of storage space. In short, everything we asked for on paper. Being this close to agreeing the design means that we should make our planning deadline. : )

We are heading to Skye next weekend so that we can meet Mary and Ian and get into the detail of the house we want built. A very good deal staying at the Eilean Larmain Hotel at Isle Ornsey - two nights for the price of one. (BOGOF) A very good deal and cheaper than most B&Bs, even if we could find any that are open in February. Hoping to get some walking in on the Sunday - hills if the weather plays the game and beach if not. 

As an aside, we are gaining minutes of daylight each day - we reckon we are ahead of England now with evenings still light (ish) at 18.00. I can walk home from work without the need for a torch.  

Today, we did a circular walk up to Ben Cleuch. Decided to bite the bullet and try the steep slog up a hill known as The Law. My goodness was it steep. Stopped for a coffee at what I thought was the halfway point only to be told that we had gained the stupendous height of 275m! Only another 450m to go then.  

It was another hill of t-shirts and fleece to start with then all layers on once we hit the ridge. Stopped for a bite and another coffee in the most sheltered spot we could find. Snow level was around 2,000ft (600m) with a few icy patches but nothing too dodgy. Could be an interesting walk in true winter conditions. Some very steep hillsides to slide down if you put a foot wrong.

Up above the clouds on The Law.. Forth River shining in the background.

                 Above the steepest section at this point. One fellow walker going up, one going down.                                                                              

The dog that can just be seen in photo above was a Husky / Shepherd cross with bright blue eyes. She seemed very happy to be out and about in the snow.

Fantastic views and light at the top. We had walked up through the cloud layers into the sun but cloud was swirling and threatening to drop down lower again. We finished the circle by dropping down then back across another summit before heading back to the woods above Alva Glen. 

Fell runner count was two today. Appeared on the top with enough breath to have a chat, turned round and were gone again - although we did catch them in one of the photos. 

View back down to The Law; fell runners running back down

Great views to the Cairngorms in the far distance and the highlands to the west. 

View to the Highlands, dodgy looking cloud in foreground

Back to the car where the GPS told us we had walked just over 6 miles. Legs felt as if it was at least double that! It's been a while since we walked up such steepness over such a distance. Was good to be back out in the hills again.

Weather station news - since installing the weather station and monitoring the weather in our back garden, we have to announce that there has been very little wind and almost no rain. The barometer has been mostly flat and we have not noted much in the way of extremes of temperature. We are hoping for a March storm to bump up the viewing pleasure.  Did everyone notice the lack of snow, ice, cold in Scotland last week when the Midlands, North East, etc were freezing. It was mild and dull up here.