The impressive, fortress-like mountain is Slioch, one of the Scottish peaks that reaches above 3000′. We passed by after driving south from Ullapool, Scotland, then cutting west toward Torridon and later heading to Applecross, on the coast looking westward toward the Isle of Skye. The route passes all sorts of beautiful country — coastal bays, long valleys, lochs, tall peaks.
Continue reading Slioch and Loch Maree
Our time on the Isle of Skye this past May combined visits to iconic locations. (I’m not against photographing icons that are new to me, or when conditions are extra special.) On this day we did a bit of both. Before we ended up here we had taken a long drive out to the tiny hamlet of Elgol. We returned, stopped for a quick dinner and then (the sun sets very late there in May) decided that Neist Point might be a reasonable objective.
Continue reading Neist Point Lighthouse
From what we could see, there don’t seem to be roads into the highest portions of the Scottish highlands. There are quite a few roads near to them, and it is common to find yourself driving up or down a river valley below the tall mountains, But actually getting into that high, rugged terrain seems to require walking in most areas. So we were surprised and happy to find ourselves headed over a pass on a road that took us quite high up.
Continue reading Scottish Highlands Cascade
We had several days to explore the Isle of Skye during or May visit to Scotland. We stayed at a somewhat off-the-grid location to the west of Portree. One day we did a popular route up the eastern coast toward the far northern reaches of the island, returning on the other side of that peninsula. Another day we headed south and east, visiting the Talisker distillery and, among other things, heading out to the remote village of Elgol on the southwestern coast.
Continue reading On The Road To Elgol