My Summer of 2023

Chapter 12, Geology, Castles, Skipping Stones and more.

Sunday, August 20, as promised, breakfast was served to my door the following morning. On a tray stand, my meal had scrambled eggs, toast and jelly, a slice of ham, juice, coffee and cream and an energy bar, more than enough to sustain me throughout the morning.

Des came by each B&B to retrieve each of us as we ventured out on another day of discoveries. The first was a geologic site that had some controversy over the years about how or why older rock formations were found on top of the newer layers. The puzzle was solved as a group of geologists proved that upheavals from beneath had brought the older rock formations upward over eons as the earth evolved.

Another very heavily cloudy day, but no rain. The landscape, as we continued throughout the day was breathtaking with mountains, mountain sides, hillsides and plains sun splashed with patches of bright light. Sheep grazed in lush green pastures even as heavy grey clouds hung heavy above.

Soon we were to stop, see and explore around our first castle ruins, Ardvreck. Sitting solitary upon a small lovely green knoll near yet another lake, it stood out against the nearby mountains and a blue sky streaked with clouds. Dating back to the 1600’s it had mostly collapsed but was accessible to explore just the same. It offered some sweet views out onto the lake and surrounding hills. See the attached photo of how it may have looked when it was complete. Its picturesque setting offered everyone ample opportunities to snap many photos, which we all accomplished.

Click on any photo in the galleries to enlarge:

Not far away as we drove toward the fishing village of Kylesku, we passed the lonely remains of an old home its solid rock walls pointing heavenward. Kylesku gave us a break where we looked out over the adjoining lake, nestled amongst mountains, and further enjoyed the fantastic views out over the water.

Arriving at our next location, Lochinver, Des wanted us to have this Sunday’s lunch at one of his favorite restaurants, which we found was closed this Sunday. Leaving our group with only two other choices for lunch, a very small café and an outdoor food stand. Most of us ended up at Delilah’s the outdoor stand where I enjoyed the day’s special, Cullen Skink fish chowder, the fish being haddock.

Also on a lake, Loch Inver, we had a leisurely hour or so to simply rest up and/or stroll about in this little village before heading to a lake that had a campground. Mostly small travel trailers and even a Hippie inspired camper van lined the shore, where sheep grazed and looked out with curiosity at a large group of kayakers who were making their way to shore. From a nearby hill, we climbed up as sheep grazed and stood about as we ascended to the top. There, looking out over the lake, the perspective with a motley assortment of clouds hanging in the sky, one could see many smaller islands and far in the distance the faint shapes of mountains.

For a time, at least, the afternoon cleared as vigorous winds sent clouds elsewhere. A bit further inland we arrived at Stac Pollaidh a jagged mountain that stands alone in a scenic setting with blooming flowers on the lower slopes and views of distant mountains and lochs.

Gathering clouds did not darken our day’s explorations into the Western Highlands. Before returning for the last night in Ullapool, Des stopped at a lakeside where we tried our hands at skipping flat stones upon the water. Interestingly, the beach is nearly all flat stones and rocks, perfect for skipping stones.

My technique needed a lot of improvement, while others of the group achieved 5,6,7 or more skips.

The afternoon sun was fading as we ended the day’s outing, casting its shimmering light upon the water. All was well and peaceful.

Back in Ullapool, May, Walen and I walked to the restaurant where we had reservations this time for seafood dinners. The walk back to the B&B helped the digestion and for getting exercise.

The next day, with sights to see along the way, would lead us to our next stop, Portree.