I don't know why we got so excited about the shower it was more of a dribble, but we should have known when the toilet didn't have enough pressure to flush the paper away. The bed was nice and soft, but wee. I spent half the night with my foot on the floor to stop myself from falling out of bed. However that could have had more to do with Justine taking the lions share and me not having the heart to disturb her.
Apart from that this a wonderful place with a great atmosphere and the sun is shining!
We had another big cooked breakfast this morning (although there was no black pudding and haggis included). This will be the last for a few days as we will be self catering for the next few days which is just as well we are both starting to feel a little 'blobby'. However our justification is that with a big breakfast we can skip lunch.
We had a good talk with our hostess this morning who has done some extensive travelling herself. Such a lovely lady and a wonderful host.
We started our day by buying supplies for the next few days and then hit the road. We had a very full day today, starting by heading north towards Ullapool via Braemore. We stopped at Ullapool for a short time and spent some of that time avoiding some of our guests from last night. Ullapool is a small town that gives the impression that it was once a fishing village which has turned its hand to tourism with its little whitewashed houses and outdoor market.
On leaving Ullapool we headed back to Breamore then north around the coast towards Loch Ewe. Looking down the Loch we learned that this was the base for the Arctic fleet during the second world war and according to the accounts, the loch was so full of ships that you could step from one vessel to the other and make your way all the way to the opposite shore.
We then headed south via Gairloch and Kinlochewe and then west towards Shieldaig, south towards Lochcarron and then on towards Auchtertyre. Once there we went along the road the few miles to Eilean Donan castle. This is the classic castle of the Scottish postcard fame. Sitting out slightly from the shore protruding out into the loch presenting its best side for the cameras, of which there are plenty. Unfortunately we got there too late to have a look inside, but we did have a look around the surrounds.
We then headed back west towards the bridge across to the Isle of Skye. The bridge is a large humpbacked affair which from what we have heard has only been open for the last four years or so. We have been told that the isle isn't the same now that the bridge is there, however we expect that the benefits (particularly with tourism and everyday convenience) outweigh the detriment.
Once on the isle we passed through a series of small townships (Sligachan, Portree) before we finally arrived at our destination of Knott, which is near Treaslane on the westerly side of Loch Snizort Beag.
Before we talk about our destination we should say some more about our journey. It was a stunning day and the scenery was amazing. Driving through valley floors looking up at the hills on each side with snow dusted across their peaks. Driving up through elevated narrow single track paths with frequent passing bays for the oncoming cars. Often surrounded by the most inhospitable landscape that you can imagine with only the occasional sheep as evidence of life. At times we were surrounded by lichen covered trees, at other times it was nothing but heather and rocks, looking up at the shingle strewn slopes. Other times we spent skipping from one lochside to another. It really has been an interesting day.
Once we reached Knott we were introduced to our hosts and looked out over the farmland the short distance to the sea. Watching the sheep and their lambs and wondering if we will get to see any seals and otters as the previous occupants have done.
It started raining as we arrived, we just hope that the weather warning signs that we saw on our way here don't come to fruition ('heavy rain warning for Sunday'). We also got introduced to the local custom, no washing is to be hung outside on a Sunday. However if it is raining that will be an easy choice anyway.
We are looking forward to exploring this isle over the next few days.
