Wet, Wild, Wonderful Scotland
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Welshie Big Adventure in Scotland
Just as I expected, Scotland has proven to have the most rainfall. As we left England, the clouds welcomed us. Thick blankets of clouds hung low over the ever increasing number of mountains. Clouds so low that the mountain tops disappeared, and sometimes we did too.
Driving north of Glasgow, heading into the Highlands, the scenery changed dramatically from what we saw in England and Wales.
Gone were the hedgerows with rolling hills of vivid green grass. What presented itself were miles upon miles of heather and gorse scattered among rocky outcroppings. And so many mountains and rushing waterfalls.
We drove through Glen Coe and marveled at the mountains ascending on each side of the road. I saw many hikers, dressed in rain gear and using their walking sticks to help propel them up the muddy and boggy trails.
And, as I stood outside to take in the scenery, and smell the clean fresh Scottish air, the rain misted down upon my head. I had reached wet, wild, wonderful Scotland at its best.
Our Cottage
Tucked down a long bumpy road heading towards the water, Lochalsh Lodge sits high above, looking out on
the Isle of Skye. With walls of windows facing Skye, I sit and watch the fishing boats outside collecting their catch of scallops and langoustines.
This is probably the best outfitted house we have stayed in thus far. With four bedrooms, and ample bathrooms and a large kitchen and living area, the home is made for guests, and for countless hours sitting and looking at the water.
As I sit typing this blog today, the sky goes from blue and sunny to thickly covered with heavy rain clouds. A fishing boat drifts off the shore, while Maisie sleeps comfortably on a settee in front of the window. If there wasn’t so much to see on the Isle of Skye, I could just stay in and let the day pass by.
Isle of Skye
Wet, wild, and wonderful is the perfect description for Skye. With single lane roads, dramatic mountain scenery, and beautiful beaches, this is a place to get out and explore. There are two main ways to enjoy Skye, via foot or via car. Brian and I have enjoyed both options in the week we have been here.
We have gone on several walks that took us through muddy bogs as well as at least one drive that took us on a hair-raising drive winding up the side of a mountain.
At night, we come home and throw the dogs into the bathtub to clean off their muddy bodies. We all sleep hard after a day of exercise and sight-seeing.
Highlights of Skye
Our first, and muddiest hike so far, was to the Fairy Pools. Located in Glen Brittle, the pools are formed through a series of small waterfalls running in a line.
As the water falls into pools the colors of the rocks reflecting up from the bottom of each pool is the color of a pale turquoise. My camera didn’t do justice to the color, but I could imagine fairies flitting around these colorful pools.
Fairy Pools
A visit to the Fairy Pools doesn’t require you to get as muddy as we did.
We chose to do a circular walk that led up towards a mountain and then returned through a meadow of heather to the car park.
Meadow isn’t really the right word for what we walked in. Bog might be a better descriptor.
We started out with some light rock scrambling and then the mud started. No matter where I stepped, there was mud or a fine layer of grass with water immediately underneath it.
As my boots sunk in, I turned to see both Winston and Maisie with mud up their legs. At one point Winston chose not to follow our footsteps, and he sunk into the mud.
Unable to get out, we helped him, and I apologized to him for getting him so dirty. He and Maisie are not muddy dogs normally and it was clear that neither of them were thrilled with their muddy legs.
Applecross
This small town, situated at the bottom of a steep drive, and sitting on the water, is the reward for driving the highest road in Scotland.
As we started our journey to Applecross, we noticed a sign that read, “Not suitable for large vehicles or inexperienced drivers.”
The mostly single track road weaved along the side of the mountain with outstanding views for the passenger. Brian didn’t get to enjoy the drive because it required his full concentration.
As we arrived at the top of the mountain, and stood outside the car with the wind blowing, I took in the views. After summiting, the road wound down to the small village of Applecross. We sat by the water and had chips and a drink while enjoying the local scenery.
Brian chose an alternative route home because it was getting late and he didn’t want to repeat that journey more than once. I didn’t blame him for that decision.
Claigan Coral Beach
A lovely walk, with an optional hike to a flat topped rise for exceptional views, Claigan beach is where I got a chance to view some seals. I brought my binoculars on this hike because the guide book said we might see them.
We were blessed with beautiful weather here at the beach.
The sun was shining and only puffy white clouds were seen above us. The clearly marked path was free from mud but there was a small, shallow stream to walk across.
Winston immediately perked up on the walk when he saw the beach and the water. Looking from the beach to me and back again, I knew just where he wanted to be.
The beach sand is entirely made up of crushed coral. Picking up a handful and looking at it closely you could easily see the crushed coral.
This was a first for me and it was soft enough that Winston had no problems trotting alongside me wondering why I had not brought his ball.
As I scanned the shore of the small island across from the beach, I saw a group of seals lounging on the shore. They looked like white rocks without the aid of binoculars so it was good that I brought them. Brian said he saw one lift a flipper as if to wave hello.
Our Time Left Here
We have only one more week in the Highlands before we head down to Edinburgh. There are so many places to see, and hikes to do before we leave, and I know we cannot do them all. I am not sure how we will choose where we go, but know that they all will be memorable.
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