The Ham Nomads

7 Jul 2014. <GB-SCT> Glen Coe, Argyll; Fort William, Lochaber; Kyle of Lochalsh —

Woke up near Glen Coe. Not really a good day for walking, but we went in to the Glen Coe Visitor Centre (another National Trust property) and walked around the displays there. Glen Coe is a magnificent area for walking, mountain climbing, geology — you name it, it's all there for those interested in outdoor activities. And the scenery is simply spectacular!! But today the clouds were lowering, the rain coming in bursts.

Glen Coe

One claim to fame (infamy?) was a massacre that took place there in 1692, when the Campbells (remember — the clan of the Duke of Argyll, who we've met before) accepted the hospitality of the rogue MacDonalds and then, under orders from the British Crown, turned on them and attempted to kill them all. 38 MacDonalds were slaughtered in the attack, but many escaped into the hills. As this happened in winter, an unknown number of MacDonalds perished from cold out in the open. The event is remembered each year when the MacDonald Clan lays a wreath at the memorial to the event in Glencoe village.

We tried to go for a walk, but just a short way up the path was a sign indicating that the path was closed for forestry operations. And anyway, the rain was starting up again, so we decided to push on, as Kay and Wang were expecting us up in Lochcarron today or tomorrow.

In Glen Shiel

We set off northwards, alongside Loch Linnhe towards Fort William (where we stopped off for a quick Macca's email check, and a quick shop in Morrisey's. Then up the A82 past Loch Lochy, turning onto the A87 at Invergarry past Loch Garry, Loch Lynne and Loch Cluanie, through Glen Shiel (more absolutely spectacular scenery), and to Loch Duich.

At the northern end of Loch Duich is a very spectacular castle, Eilean Donan. We stopped off for a photo opportunity, but as we were now running short of time, did not go in for the whole tour. (We've probably had our fill of castles by now anyway.)

Avalanche protection near Attadale

Lochcarron from across the loch

From here, we finally turned onto the A870 (having a little scare when the start of it was a 14% upward grade — luckily this was only for a short stretch) and round Loch Carron into the village of Lochcarron. Nearly remembered where their house was, from last time, but had to ask for directions at the local shop — turns out we were looking for the house just past the local golf course, whereas we should have been looking before the golf course.

The Van at Tullich House

REUNION!! Susie and Kay took up just where they left off seven years ago! Wang and Warren just left them to get on with their catching up. Kay and Wang live right on a stalking path, so venison is often on the menu. It was tonight. Scrumptious. More talk, then off to bed!

Distance driven — today, 113 miles ( 192 km ); to date, 3,869 miles ( 6,237 km )