Day 6 of the Northcoast 500

Gairloch to Balmacara via Torridon, Shieldaig, Loch Carron and Dornie

We had a very bracing walk along the beach this morning.  The site is just to the left of the picture, this is the rocky beach part of Big Sand the Sandy bit is further back.  This beach is stunning due to the backdrop of the mighty Torridon mountain range behind it.  It was a little hazy when this picture was taken to get the proper majestic picture of them.

Drove along the coast road for a couple of miles into Gairloch for a trip to the Mountain Coffee Company
In Gairloch which has quirky furniture and a fabulous bookshop connected to it. It was full of motorbikes having a pit stop. Good coffee and nice views overlooking the bay. I had a thought about whether I would like to live here.

We thought we would drive to Applecross, not on the crazy Bealach Na Ba, the highest ascent of any road in the UK - it goes from sea level up to 2,054 feet with crazy bends and fantastic view, we drove it the last time 10 years ago in a wee Polo and that was hairy enough, especially when we met a service bus coming over a hill.  No way suitable for a Van - well we did try and go the other road to it, which was supposed to be better but it was NOT, and I was screaming so we turned back for my sanity!

First stop was Torridon where we had an ice cream and chatted to an older couple from Orkney who moved there from Gloucester 35 years ago to farm the land.  They had such a cute Scottie dog with them.  We were overlooking the Loch and went a little walk before heading on our way to Sheildaig.  Such a pretty village, also stayed here 10 years ago and we had a brew up facing the Loch Torridon where we sat and watched a sea eagle soaring above us.  Majestic!  Had a walk up a little grassy knoll overlooking the village - stunning scenery again.

Quite a long drive from Torridon, down Loch Carron to Eilean Donan Castle and Dornie where we had a very poor tea.  Had to complain it was cold and then it came back microwaved to death. 

Stayed at a lovely site at Balmacara, it was like a wood, and a very peaceful night in terms of no howling gale rocking the van!