Loch Torridon Country House

... from sea level to over 2,000 feet in 5 miles. I made it to 4 miles and had to turn around :-(

It was pouring with rain and the wind was so strong I couldn't cycle forwards without falling off, I even found it difficult to push the bike into the wind up the road. As I could see the cloud cover lowering over the mountain and no sign of the wind passing, I decided to turn ...

I set off this morning looking for a group of surfers on the beach, but by the time that I got there at around 9am I guess they had realised that the waves (surf) was not all that good in Thurso and they must have moved on. I had a look for them on my way but I couldn't see them, I guess they must have gone the other way up the coast.

I set out with all good intentions of getting to SYHA Durness and stopping there for the night while ...

... friend and not his wife or lover.
- the masacre at Glenroe was due to the fact that the Macdonals clan signed a treaty too late. The English king wanted to set and example so got his hencemen, ie the Campbell clan to kill them. The Campbells way into the Macdonals place was to rely on the highland hospitality, which means no one can ignore someone looking for shelter and food. The Campbells claimed that had no food and somewhere to stay, the Macdonals invited them ...

... and to feel the thrill of the whirling, bitingly cold wind at the same time. There was almost an ache when we were leaving. It was like the mountains were inviting us to come up and join them - and we would have so loved to do a trek - however small - but there wasn't enough time. I doubt we will ever get back, but if we do, we will most definitely plan a longer trip so we can do some trekking.

... the country seems to have been built for it, but there some in the group that didn't want to. The others seemed like a nice enough bunch but they were pretty much all couples that seemed quite happy to stay together and do there own thing. The other thing about these tours is that everybody stays in separate lodgings so once you've been dropped off you don't really see them again. Of course Portree is tiny so ...

... Mike Bentley called up, the conversation was along the lines of:

Mike: fancy catching up for a beer tonight.
Ian: Can't, I'm driving up to Scotland in 2 hours to go hiking on the Isle of Skye. Actually, you interested in joining.
Mike: Yep, why not, see you shortly.

... a pint and get a meal on in Torridon. In hindsight this probably wasn't the best idea, as by all accounts the drive into Applecross was unmissable. Another time. We had a quick look around the area where we would be walking the following day before arriving in the tiny township of Torridon soon after 4pm. It was a somewhat strange sight in the highlands, a town nestled in a stunning location without a general store or a pub! The nearest was the Loch Torridon hotel, 2 miles ...

Well we finally arrived at our destination of Torridan, that is after numerous miles of one way roads, speeding locals and many travelling on a wing and a prayer. We also found we had to contend with the Scottish Sheep. Unlike the Aussie Sheep we are use to they are not fearful of cars and traffic - they infact lie down on the road for a "wee nap". Travelling from Golspie to ...

It's a long, lonely drive up here. The main road turns into a single track, with passing places and lots of sheep. Pictures just do not do this place justice. We arrive at 8 PM, so it's a quick freshen up and to the Pub, because last order is at 8:45 PM. As isolated as this place is, the restaurant is full. The food here is fabulous, and there is 14 Scottish Ales to try. Derek decides ...

Torridon has long been a part of Scotland that I have wanted to visit. A rugged yet beautiful landscape dotted with lochs, tiny whitewashed villages and great winding roads. Finally I was getting a chance to get up the Munros here, accompanied by Willie and Simon, a couple of old workmates. By the way, Munros are Scottish hills above 3000ft, more than a set distance apart. There are 284 in total and many people spend their lives trying to 'bag' each and ...