Waterfalls and Castles

Day 6: 12 miles, 8k hike

We didn’t have very far to travel today so we planned to stop at a couple of tourist sights on the way

The first stop was a waterfall just south of Kylesku bridge. In fact looking at the map there were a quite a few waterfalls in this area. So despite the mist that was hanging around we decided to do the longer hike to see Britain’s highest waterfall. It was just as well that the scenery was amazing and we did see a very high waterfall in the distance, as I hadn’t looked close enough at the map to realise I was leading us to the top of the waterfall which clearly we were never going to be able to see from the top (duh!!). The path was quite hard going and wet and it became clear Illya’s 12 yr old hiking boots had given up being waterproof (oops)

After a change of socks and footwear we drove on to Ardvreck castle. You’d probably recognise this castle as it has been photographed a lot. It was in a beautiful location and has a very interesting history including lots of murder and violence. And now supposedly is haunted. We didn’t stay long enough to see the ghosts!

As we needed a few supplies (yes I was out of wine) we stopped in Lochinver. As this was the largest town around we expected a bit more than a small local Spar shop which  had very little fresh food and a butcher with very little meat?!? The best find though was the pies from Lochinver Larder which are a speciality of the area. The chicken and leek pie was the best pie we think we have ever had. And we also bought a rhubarb and strawberry pie but after a yummy curry for dinner we are too full for desert today.

We are staying for the next 2 nights at Achmelvich campsite which is on a gorgeous white sandy beach.  Loved the sunset tonight. And I am sitting here overlooking the beach this morning to make the post as it is the only spot with a wifi signal.