Hello, yes I’m still alive, just had a busy couple of weeks. Well, I say busy, I went on a road trip up to the north west of Scotland for a week, then straight afterwards headed down to Yorkshireland, that’s a fair few miles covered. Made sure I had the essentials, my uke, some decent cider and my brolly (rain was forecast)….

I could have headed up the A9 to Inverness but as the forecast was good for the first few days I decided to take a more scenic route and spend a night near Kyle of Lochalsh, boy did that decision pay off! What a glorious day the Friday was; a full tank of petrol, great music and awesome scenery! It’s been twenty odd years since I’ve been been that way – it won’t be another twenty til the next time!

My route was up through Callander to Lochearnhead, over west to Crianlarich, then the A82 up to Invergarry, passing through the wonderful pondy bit before Glen Coe, had a brief stop at the Commando Memorial outside Spean Bridge to pay my respect.

Did I mention how awesome the scenery is out that way? Wow, I could have pulled over so many many times but I had a destination to reach for early evening, just as well! From Invergarry it was a left turn on to the A87 up pass lochs Garry, Cluanie and Duich until I passed over the bridge at the start of Loch Long and took a right turn to drive along it’s north shore up to Sallachy, where I head booked an Airbnb for the night.

First Airbnb I’ve ever stayed in, and boy, it’s set a very high bar! The most idyllic location, lovely hosts, a very reasonable price which included a full cooked breakfast (a most excellent breakfast, worthy of a certain song) and a magnificent cat called Hugo (the room was very small with a single bed but I was fine with it). If this description has tickled your fancy be aware, it really is past the sticks into the twigs on single track roads (with passing places), there are no shops anywhere nearby in walking distance, the hosts have mentioned this in their blurb, they are not joking!

Refreshed and belly filled, I continued north up the A890 to the end of Loch Carron where I opted for the prettier more scenic route of the A896 past Sheildaig and Torridon to Kinlochewe. Not a road to rush, not that it can be with all the single track parts, enjoy the pace, take your time, be courteous and considerate, wave thanks to fellow road users – and never park in a passing place!

I reached Gairloch by mid afternoon. Ah, Gairloch, I have the vaguest but fondest of memories for this little place from when I was very young. We stayed in the Old Inn when the old bridge next to it was the main road through, we went paddling next to it trying to catch tiddlers (unsuccessfully). Happy times!

As it’s late I’ll leave you at Gairloch, more when I get time (it’s all very busy this family mullarky, honestly I never get a minute to myself!) I’ll put more pics on Instagram in the morning if I get a chance.

Toodle pip!