We woke to wind but no rain and now we could actually see the loch and mountains we’d slept next to and mighty pretty there were too. On the drive in the day before, we’d spotted a parking place which would allow us to climb Ben Stack (well part of it). But first we wanted to get a view of the mountains so we crossed the river next to a gorgeous little hut which would make a perfect writing or reading den. There was a a rather splendid Highland Lodge and the path we were on seemed to lead there. Although right to roam means people can explore at will in Scotland, we decided to backtrack and climb upward.
The wind was either non existent or threatening to blow us off the side of the mountain depending on which direction we were facing. Undeterred we pressed on. Also undeterred were three fishermen who laden down with all their equipment were toiling up the mountain to a fishing lake near the top. We left them to find their lake and veered off the path to look out over the stunning valley.
The wind was either barely there or threatening to blow us off the side of the mountain depending on which way we were facing. Undeterred, we pressed on. Also undeterred were three fishermen who, fully laden with all their equipment, were toiling their way up the mountain to a fishing lake near the top. We left them to find their lake and veered slightly off the path to look out over a stunning valley.
Leaving Lock Stack we wondered if the scenery could get any better but it did. The drive down towards Ullapool was absolutely beautiful. Viewing point followed viewing point but it would have taken a life time to stop at them all. As we climbed around one steep bend we spotted another T2 parked up called ‘Trudie’. We waved and carried on along some amazing roads with amazing views.
At a rare T-junction we turned right towards Lochinver and looked for a lunch spot by the peaceful Loch Assynt. We found a long layby with one motorhome in one end of it so we carried on to the other end and parked up for lunch with a view. Not for the first time, a large tourist coach arrived and deposited the occupants on the side of the loch by the other motorhome. Luckily we were facing nose forward and still got an undisturbed view of the water.
Despite all the beauty we’d seen on the drive so far, nothing prepared us for the next stretch down to Ardmair. Stunning, beautiful, amazing – the adjectives didn’t seem quite adequate. We tried to capture it on film but that didn’t do it justice either. Take it from us, it was fantastic.
When we pulled into Ardmair Point campsite we were blown away again. A beautiful campsite overlooking Loch Canaird (sea loch) with stunning views of the mountains. The wind was so brisk we got all our washing dry in an hour but there was no way to sit out unless you wanted a very uniquely styled blow dry. We opted for a walk along the pebble beach where I dipped my wellies in the sea before watching the sunset from inside the van. Life on the road doesn’t get much better than this.
Midge Bite count – Jude 6, Dom 2
