I’m currently sitting in Marlene’s lovely B&B, on the highest point between Scourie and Durness, with the rain lashing the windows and a view of the lower half of a hill across the road and loch. We arrived in the rain this afternoon and it’s only become worse since. Meanwhile the rest of the UK is having a mini-heatwave. Well I can report that the north west of Scotland isn’t.
To be fair we haven’t had a bad day, it was just the last toil up the hill that was a little damp. It started raining as we left the seafood restaurant in Tarbet, where the ferry runs to Handa Island. The island is a SSSI that can be accessed by passenger ferry for £12.50 per person. The island has a clearly marked path which takes you to all the best places to see the abundant birdlife. Luckily I had my small binoculars and we were able to see most of the birds that are known to use the island. Great Skua, Arctic Skua, Fulmar, Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake, Oystercatcher, Red Grouse and a couple of puffins in flight. We also spied a pair of grey seals in Boulder Bay and Ian spotted a porpoise on the ferry ride. The ferry boat man said it was the first of the season. I really enjoyed lying on the grass and looking over the edge of the cliff at the huge number of birds nesting, flying or swimming around the cliffs.
The food in the restaurant in Tarbet was very good, assuming you like seafood. Ian and I had hot mackerel and Sally had fresh salmon. There is a monster hill to get out of Tarbet and the pint of beer I had with lunch weighed heavy on the legs.
Marlene’s B&B is lovely and comfortable. The dining and sitting room is like a great hall with a wood fire at one end. We had a lovely meal of venison and are now trying to listen to the archers on Sally’s phone. The internet connection is via a satellite which doesn’t seem to be working at the moment so this won’t get posted until tomorrow.
Internet just started working. Won't push my luck with too man photos today - wait until tomorrow evening.
Here's one of the tea break on Handa Island...
Trip to Handa island sounds fantastic! We stopped in Tarbert for lunch - had cullen skink there (I assume it's the same Tarbet - there's so many round there!). Remember it as a lovely pretty little harbour!
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