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Part OneFor Wednesday we decided to visit a couple of locations quite close to ourselves. First off we popped in to see the evocative ruins of Ardvreck Castle and explore its surrounds. Even with quite a few tourists wandering about the charm remains undiminished.
Loch AssyntRomance in the StoneAllt na' Chalda BeagNext off we visited the Bone Caves. The weather was a little hit and miss but it stayed relatively dry for our walk up and back down the glen. This is a fascinating place with a sense of how people lived so long ago, however the big disappointment was that how people live today was demonstrated by some unpleasant detritus left by some wild campers. Some individuals lack of respect for the environment never ceases to cause dismay.
Allt na Uamh waterfallAllt na UamhBone CavesCreag nan UamhTime was running out for the week by now but with the weather due to be fine on Friday we earmarked it for a walk up Ben Hope. We still headed out into the iffy conditions on Thursday for a little potter around Knockan Crag, a fascinating location which ably demonstrates just how globally significant this wonderful area is.
A moody Lochan an AisPlenty weather aboutReady to PounceHughie checks out the Moine ThrustThings brightened up for the evening so I braved the midge and squelched my way to the shore of Cam Loch to watch the sun set behind the mighty Suilven. Conditions were not as dramatic as Wednesday but it was still a great experience to spend the end of the day in such a majestic location.
Tranquil Cam LochUnder the WeatherSuilven SunsetEven though our cottage for the week was North of Ullapool, at Strathcannaird, this is not quite that far enough North
as it was still the best part of two hours to get to the parking area at the foot of the Ben Hope trail. Once again Grace sat this one out, disappointing but what can you do.
it was a gorgeous morning as we quickly suited and booted to avoid the worst of the midges and set off up the trail. With a touch of mist still hanging to the crags and the sun shining brightly from clear blue skies it was truly idyllic as we passed the many beautiful cascades of the Allt na Caillich. The views up and down the Glen seemed to get better with just about every meter of height gained as we steadily made progress upwards.
Strathmore meadowsStrath MoreFalls on the Allt na CaillichNorth up the Glen....and SouthMore waterfallsGaining heightHughie...and againViews opening upA Little morning mist lingeringOnce things flattened out a bit we had a break admiring the ever improving vista which now included Foinaven and friends, the shattered quartzite ridges shining brightly in the sun. I'd love them to come under my boots one day, another for the list.
Looking over to the Quartzite HillsLooking SouthLazy summer daysFrom here it was a steady walk up to the summit where we were greated by some jaw dropping views. Looking to the east at the empty land of Crag and lochan was amazing, there was a little cloud around to curtail things slightly but this only served to enhance the atmosphere. Following lunch I wandered over to the end of the ridge but by the time I got there cloud had settled on the northern nose of the mountain meaning I didn't see much. Once the sun went in and the midge rose from the ground it was time to head back the way we came.
Ben Hope TexturesTaking a breatherFoinaven and friendsHughie once againWide open spacesFoinaven monoLooking South EastSuilven and QuinagKing in the NorthStunning View to the East...and to the South WestBit of clag coming inCairn on the edge of the ridgeNot a lot to see Quartzite mountains againIt was a lovely easy descent back to the car, and seeing all the great views again was hardly a hardship. Hughie led the way for the most part, and seemingly had a great time enjoying a bit of freedom. Once back at the car and driving home we actually got a clear view of Ben Loyal, I've been up this way a few times but this was the first clear view I've had, certainly another for the ever expanding to do list.
Heading downLoch HopeHughie leads the wayStrathmore RiverBen HopeBen LoyalSo the end of a memorable week in the far North West. I must say this area has replaced Skye as my favourite part of Scotland, yes plenty people still come up here in the summer but the numbers seem manageable, unlike Skye which on our last visit was clearly creaking under the ever expanding visitor numbers with the honey pots completely overwhelmed. I'm already counting the days till I return.