North Coast 500 - Day 5: Gairloch to Lochcarron

A day of big vistas and reflections.
Left Gairloch and our first stop was Red Point, with it's impressive view over to Skye. Next up, driving along Loch Maree, with the imposing Slioch dominating, and a stop at Victoria Falls, which I guess will be more impressive when there's more rain!
Then through Glen Torridon and around the famed Applecross Peninsula.
Really, truly stunning scenery. And the drive over the Applecross Pass is definitely an experience (think the driver of the red Ford Focus we encountered a couple of times, who regularly went at 15mph even on the straight bits, was having an entirely different experience!)
This single track road rises to 2045 feet through a series of bends and hairpins over 11.5 miles; it's the highest ascent from sea level of any road in Britain and the third highest road route overall - apparently it's frequently closed!
And lastly to our final overnight stop in Lochcarron.
Heading home tomorrow - we've run out of superlatives!

What a fabulous journey - would heartily recommend it (or any parts of it) to anyone.

Main photo - Slioch / Loch Maree
Extras
1 - view from Red Point looking over to Skye
2 - view from Red Point of the Cuillin Range on Skye
3 - the drive down the west coast of the Applecross Peninsula, at Callakillie
4 - view west from the summit of Bealach Na Ba on the Applecross Pass
5 - view on the descent from the Applecross Pass, looking over Loch Kishorn and Loch Carron (from about half way down)
6 - view from Lochcarron towards Attadale.

www.northcoast500.com