We left Thurso and continued west on the North Coast 500 (so called as it stretches 500 miles around the coastline from Inverness). At Tongue turned South travelling to Lairg and traversed magnificent mountains (many Munros) alongside Lochs. Lunch stop at Ullapool and the sun is shining in this pretty fishing port, so we had fish and chips. The weather has been perfect, with sunny patches though windy.
We had a group photo with Eilean Donan Castle as a backdrop and a taste of Drambuie, the liqueur recipe that supposedly Bonnie Prince Charlie offered his hosts on Isle of Skye for their assistance in hiding him and helping him escape to France. (I think this is fake news). The drink is made from Scotch Whisky, Heather honey, herbs and spices. And so onward to the Isle of Skye via the bridge built in 1992.
Today we woke to drizzle and mist. Picked up a local guide who pointed out local landmarks on Skye even though we couldn’t see a thing through the rain. We dared to get off the bus at Kilt Rock to photograph a waterfall and got blown sideways. A lunch stop at the capital Portree whilst briefly the rain stopped. Then to Sligachan for the best photo ever - a low rainbow above the old stone bridge.
Legend has it that if you stick you face in the water under the Old Sligachan Bridge for 7 seconds and let it dry off naturally, you'll be granted eternal beauty. We didn't try it!
In view of the high winds and rough sea, our ferry ride off the Isle had to be cancelled and we drove off over the bridge. We travelled down through Fort William, Glen Coe and finally to Oban, where the sun was lighting the evening sky.
Today sailed from Oban to The Isle of Mull. It is raining, so not a great day to travel. Then a bus ride across the Island (saw a herd of hairy cows) to Fionnphort where we boarded another ferry to take us to the tiny island of Iona. Iona is where St Columba from Ireland came to bring Christianity to Scotland. There is an Abbey and ruins of a Nunnery. Unfortunately for us the heavens opened up and it bucketed down rain for most of our time here. We took shelter in the cafe and attempted to dry out our shoes, socks, jeans etc to no avail. We then departed on the ferry/bus/ferry to get us back to Oban.
Great photos! Keep warm.
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