Saturday
Today was always going to be more about the journey than the destination.
Morvich campsite is very remote, and we had already decided that tonight would be a quiet night in, and home a cooked meal.
While our pitch was surrounded by mountains, there was not a lot else to do and, therefore, to say about it.
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Setting off
As we were packing up to leave Gruinard Bay, we were afforded that rare privelege of a sighting of the Loch Ness monster swimming just in front of us off the beach. It was a magic moment. Although maybe it was a seal.
We made a brief stop at the Museum of Arctic Convoys. Steve’s Uncle Jack, who is now 99, lied about his age to join the war effort and served as a gunner on the convoys – which may explain why he is now so deaf. Or maybe that is just being 99. We felt we had to pop in to honour him, and the staff were interested to hear of a veteran who was still alive, and we supplied some info about him. It seems we may be able to apply for the Arctic Star retrospectively.
Just down the road from Gruinard Bay are the famous botanical garden at Inverewe. We decided to stop there for a couple of hours, and it was worth a blog all of its own – click here.
Glen Docherty viewpoint
Reading our Scotland books, both said that this was a ‘must do’. It seemed to be fairly nondescript as we drove up the steep road to the car park, but when we got out and looked back you understand why. An iconic view showing the A832 winding its way through the highlands, just WOW.
This also afforded us a view of the cycle section of the ‘Celtman’ – an extreme Scottish triathlon which was taking place that day. This event encompasses a 3.4K swim in jellyfish infested Atlantic waters (Loch Shieldaig), a 200k bike ride, with an overall climb of 2200 metres, and a 42k run over two Munroes. The website advises caution:
“Make no mistake – when we say this race is extreme we mean it”
Strathcarron Tunnel
As Nikki drove around Scotland on the simulator (google maps street view) and built up our itinerary, she added:
“The A890 starts good but goes down hill rapidly including a particularly horrific bit through the Strathcarron Tunnel”
Fortunately, and as it worked out, Steve was in the driving seat today.
It was a beautiful woodland drive though, winding around Loch Carron, munroe’s and forests, largely single track although some improvement works had been completed down these roads since Nikki had ‘driven’ around them. As it turned out the Strathcarron Tunnel wasn’t as horrific as Nikki had feared, although still one we will remember.
Eilean Donan Castle
Our journey to Morvich passed Eilean Donan Castle and, for us, this was a ‘must-stop’. The castle looks like it was built with drone shots in mind! Set against a backdrop of rugged hills and where three lochs collide, this 13th-century fortress delivers full cinematic vibes—Game of Thrones meets Highland road trip. Though rebuilt in the 20th century, it keeps its medieval soul intact, now complete with a visitor centre and a perfect selfie spot on the stone bridge. It’s history, scenery, and highland drama all in one photogenic package.
2 Responses
That tunnel would put the frar of God I am ya 😨
Edit…
That tunnel would put the fear of God in ya😱