A Splendid Day
A Welshie Big Adventure in Scotland
It was another glorious sunny day and perfect weather for a lovely drive farther North toward Ullapool. Today, I set my sights on seeing several natural beauty spots and am glad to say it was a rousing success.
Our first stop was to Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve. The gorge is an impressive 200 feet deep, and there is a small swaying suspension bridge above the gorge if you are adventurous.
Path down to the gorge. Along the path to the gorge. Waterfalls are all around us.
We brought Maisie and Winston with us and they were troopers as we walked across the bridge. Standing in the middle, I looked down. The water seemed so very far below me.
Looking down from the bridge. The pups standing in the middle of the suspension bridge. A view from the other side of the bridge.
After crossing the gorge, we walked down a tree-lined path to a second overlook facing the gorge and the suspension bridge we just crossed.
Winston observing the falls. Maisie taking in the sights from above.
I lifted each of the dogs up so that they too could see the view below. Maisie’s eyes darted around taking in the sights, smells, and sounds. Winston looked off blankly into the distance sniffing the air.
We then headed back toward Gairloch to visit Inverewe Garden. The garden benefits from the North Atlantic Drift, which makes winter weather more temperate than other parts of the Scottish Highlands.
Wandering the garden paths. Looking out at the loch from a covered viewpoint. Scenic beauty wherever I looked.
Tall trees, including exotic specimens from the Himalayas and Japan, were interspersed with Rhododendrons and Azaleas. The walled garden, set just above the loch, was different than any other walled garden I have seen on this trip.
Overlooking the walled garden. Enjoying a stroll through the walled garden. I love this gate leading to the shore from the walled garden.
As we wandered from one path to another, the dogs happily sniffed as many scents as they could.
Maisie as a Cover Girl. Checking out the tree. Spot the Welshie.
Between our planned visits, an empty sand beach beckoned us to stop, giving the dogs a chance to run freely and revel in the open space. Winston bounded towards the water's edge and then looked back to see if I was coming. Together we ran until neither of us could run any further.
Winston smiling for the camera. Gentle waves along the beach. A beach all to ourselves.
As we were making our way home from Inverewe, we had the great fortune to drive along Loch Maree. This area is southeast of Gairloch and is considered one of the most scenic places to visit in the Highlands.
There are tall Scots Pines, several small islands dotting the loch, and the Slioch mountain standing tall and proud in the back drop.
This part of our drive was jaw-droppingly beautiful and something you must see if you are ever within a three hour radius of here.
To end a splendid day, filled with rugged mountains, beautiful lochs and pretty gardens, we ventured down a tiny road near Gairloch, just off the path for home, to grab some dinner. The Badachro Inn kitchen is closed on Monday and Tuesday, but they have a mobile pizza kitchen turning out excellent creative pies.
After a dinner of chicken, pepper and garlic pizza washed down with a Guinness 0%, we hopped back in the car and headed home.
Roundtrip to the gorge and garden, plus dinner, was a full day adventure. We didn’t get home until well after eight o’clock that night.
The dogs were glad for their dinner, and a chance to sprawl out on the floor and catch up on some sleep.
I was happy to sit on the couch and write this blog. With the sun setting late, and the skies light until past ten, it allows me to occasionally look out at the water well into the evening.
Days like today are what makes traveling worth the effort. Experiencing the desolate and rugged Scottish scenery stretching as far as I can see. Seeing a Pine Martin, a member of the Weasel family, dash across the road in front of us.
And, having a Common Chaffinch casually take a crumb of biscuit from my hand after sitting on the bench next to me for several minutes.
I am very thankful to be on this Welshie Big Adventure. I know that it is a gift, and I feel lucky to share it with each of you through this blog.
Fernanda that’s a Robin in your photo. Chaffinches are more pink.