Day Fifty Two

We finish our lap of the Isle of Skye today, closing of the eastern
side and back across the Syke bridge. This top and eastern so of
Skye contains the most contrast. The north is very wild, very similar
to the highlands. Mountainous in the extreme in the north, wild and
very beautiful. The weather is inclement, but it changes so rapidly,
one could be in Melbourne with its four seasons in a day.
The eastern side also houses the island largest town, Broadford,
which comes as a bit of surprise after the wilderness. We grab a few
provisions before we head off.
We have had no Internet access on the island, and I only find out
well after we leave, that the island is home to an otter rescue
organisation the also organises otter boats tours. Much
disappointment. Very sad to have missed this. I gnash my teeth for a
while over too, for not doing the seal tour from the castle, but vow
instead to do a wildlife tour off John O’Groats which I have seen a
brochure on. Very disappointed about missing those two. Travelling
“off the cuff” is great, but without research and planning, some
things are inevitably missed.
Back on the mainland we commence our tour of Scotland’s northern
shores, starting in the Wester Ross National Park heading towards
the northern road network which are part of the National Tourist
Route network.
We start by following the coast and keeping off the main roads. This
area is, again, truly wild. The mountains are bisected by sea, lochs
and rivers. There is just so much water here. It’s very beautiful,
although Chris reminds me that the greenery comes at a price – it
rains here two days out of three.
We stop early in the late afternoon in Kinlochewe which is next to
the Kimlochewe National Park – we’ve spent a lot of time on the
road in the last few days. A its fairly early we set off for a hike into
the Park. It’s steep and promises the usual otters, pine martens,
golden eagles and red deer, but our finding are a much smaller.
Midges. And the bastards bite. Just as well we have repellent, it
does keep them at bay. We don’t find any of the promised animals,
but we do find a great information centre at the end of our walk. It
details the history of the mountain, it’s native pine trees and the
animals that live in it. Better photos and movies than nothing!
Time to call it a day. The longer I stew on missing the seals and
otters the grumpier I get.