Day 17, 11/10/26, Scourie to Ullapool.
Leaving the Lodge, and my disappointment at not seeing the Aurora Borealis, we headed off to Ullapool. Our route included admiring the engineering of the Kylesku bridge, watching someone fishing, unsuccessfully, he even packed up as the showers started again and we beat a retreat to our car. Were supposed to do a tour on the Kylesku boat tours, but he cancelled the night before due to forecast high winds, I don't know if really there was another reason, as, of all our days, this one was windless, with waters on all the Lochs very calm indeed, and apart from a few showers a perfect day.
Saw the top if the Allt Chranaidh waterfall, we had started walking up the gorge to the base, but as nothing was signed, we weren't sure if we were on the right track. This what Naarah had gleaned from websites as well, so should of just pushed on. The track being a muddy or very rocky goat path beside the creek with the odd old, or what appeared to be old landslide. So eventually turned back only to realise when we were at the top vantage point, it was just around the corner of where we had made it to.
Of well, these things happen I suppose. Instead drove on to Advreck castle and waterfall. Here we decided not to get really muddy, so took photos from a distance of the waterfall. Then across the road was the Advreck Castle, so walked down as close as we could, this time it would of involved wading in at least waist deep freezing cold water, so gave that a miss too. There was one lonely person over at the castle, someone told us they'd gone over when the tide was out, then had not been aware, and so unless they wanted to get had to wait for the tide to go back down ~ not for me, there's not much to do at a derelict castle once you've taken all your photos. Hope they had some warm clothes as it was getting cold with a few clouds coming over. Any way no malingering for us, we had another place to be.
Successfully got a carpark at the beginning of the Allt nan Uamh Waterfall and The Bone Caves walking track. Had out now traditional car boot picnic, at least we didn't have to contend with the wind for our lettuce leaves, then resisting the urge to get something from Sovi's coffee Van, who had lots of customers, commenced our walk. The warmest afternoon yet, and we were in the sun, so off came most of the layers, I nearly took off long sleeved shirt, which would of meant I was only in a thermal singlet, but as the path crossed into the shady side of the valley, thought that might be short lived, and hence not worth the effort. That would of been the case, as once we reached the caves and sat to catch our breath, the slight breeze was cold. Found this fascinating pool, must have a spring underneath, and it bubbles up through the grit, if I can get my video to load, I'll put it up.
Then because Scotland has so many light houses, Mmmm something to do with dangerous coast lines, we had to see another, This time Rhue Lighthouse sitting on it's little promontory in the brilliant sunshine and very calm water, looked like a little supercilious, but I'm sure with this fickle weather it still is worth it's weight in gold for all the local sailors. Finally it was after 4 pm and we could check into The Forest Way Bunkhouse just outside Ullapool. No-one around to greet us, and due to vagrancies of email, I hadn't received his email, letting us know he would be late. Anyway in good sleuthing fashion, I found an unlocked door of what looked like a Bunkhouse, with the correct name, and inside was a door with my name on it ~ Yahoo !! Settled ourselves in, getting used to working out and tracking down all the bits we need, as everyone organises their kitchens in a slightly different fashion, it's like hide and seek with every new accommodation to find the cups to make that essential cup of tea! Was just like being on school camp!
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