Strathcarron

Tigh Braeintra

 

I have long had the view that three districts in Scotland provide the finest scenery. These are the north-west highlands north of Ullapool, the Torridons and the Ardnamurchan and Moidart areas between Mull and Mallaig. They have been my destinations of choice since I arrived in Scotland in the 1970's. Other areas come close, the Argyll coast south of Oban, but it lacks mountains and the Knoydart peninsula, which is too remote for regular visits. This week I spent a week in the Lochalsh area between Glen Shiel and Shielding, and I have to admit that it is now one of my favourite areas and only 45 minutes away from the Torridons and Skye.

We arranged to go at a few days' notice to my brother's cottage at Achmore, close to Plockton. It would be my birthday, and we invited John and Bridget to come along. We met them at Invergary for a light lunch, after which John and I  started as we meant to go on by climbing Meall Dubh, a shy Corbett amidst the Millennium Wind Farm and then went out for my birthday meal in Plockton. We would be able to climb some of our remaining Corbetts in the vicinity, whilst Aileen and Bridget visited Applecross, and other parts of Lochalsh, with all of us visiting Shieldaig and Raasay on other days. We were rewarded with 6 days of March sunshine. The views had a Leica-like clarity that was mesmerising.  We spent 4 days in the mountains, with the other days giving wonderful walks near Shieldaig and then Aileen, John, and I having a splendid day exploring Raasay.

View from the cottage

Winter is over

Loch Carron

Above Strathcarron

Hot Totty on wheels

Beinn Bhan, a sublime walk

Plockton Bay

Plockton sunset