I don't think I've mentioned here that OH and I recently bought a campervan :-) Luckily we share the same frugal values and each of us had saved a goodly amount to buy this lovely vehicle. We bought it in February (which is the 'quiet' time apparently for buying them) after missing out on 3 other vehicles because we didn't act quickly enough. We've had a few overnight outings but this time we went away for 3 days wild camping ie not using campsites.
We headed north to Inverness and then went across to the west coast following the north west coastal route. I'd always wanted to visit
Applecross, which is a peninsula that was only accessible by boat until the start of the 20th century. Then a road was built literally up and over the mountain.
This is us halfway up. The road is VERY steep and VERY narrow (single track with passing places)and frankly VERY scary. There are huge warning signs at the base that basically say turn back now!This is the 'famous' hairpin bend where we stopped to take a pic. I really wouldn't recommend it.
By the time we arrived in Applecross the weather turned really nasty. Heavy rain and gale force winds forced us into the Applecross Inn where we spent a few hours by the wood burning stove eating excellent food.
We left by the newer longer coastal road that goes round the mountain, still steep and narrow but marginally less scary. We headed for Torridon in search of a place to park up. We found a lovely quiet spot in the car park of the
Beinn Eighe and spent the night being battered by heavy rain. Next morning we walked up a bit of the mountain before heading further North to
Inverewe Gardens. We have a family membership so entry for us was free. We got rather wet. Again!
Afterwards, still heading north, we stopped off at
Corrieshalloch Gorge. This is me being brave and standing on the viewing platform looking back at the falls. You can just make out the suspension bridge above it. As we were walking over it (I had to be 'persuaded' to cross it!!) some German tourists thought it would be funny to shake it. Let's just say they got a mouthful from me!!!
After a quick stop in Ullapool for some delicious seafood (crab claws, scallops and cod) we found a nice stopping place that had a ruin in the background. It was too wet to investigate (and it was getting dark) so we waited until morning.
In the morning, between heavy showers, we investigated
Ardvreck Castle. Luckily we didn't see or hear any of the ghosts!
With the castle on one side and Calda House on the other, we'd picked a fabulous spot :-)
Minutes after this was taken we had a heavy shower of hailstones!
We then meandered back towards Inverness via
Bonar Bridge and back home down the A9 stopping for chips in Aberfeldy.
Despite the heavy rain, high winds and cold we had a lovely break. In Scotland it's not illegal to wild camp. Most people are responsible and leave no trace of their presence there.
Holidays are always too short but even a few days away together without kids is relaxing. And I didn't think about work once :-)