Beaches & Moors

A grey and calm start to the day compared to the previous day's wind gusts.

Our route took us more east than north. Our first stop was at the Gruinard Bay view point, which was gorgeous, and where we quickly discovered a fresh batch of midges 😱 (like No-see-ums, but more intense). Not too far down the road we stopped at another view point over looking Little Loch Broom. Apparently this was a filming location for the movie Shell, released 2012.
https://m.imdb.com/title/tt2088893/

Our next stop was at the Lael Forest Garden where the likes of Archibald Menzies and David Douglas collected seeds from around the world and planted over 200 tree species. It was quiet spectacular to walk the paths and see such a variety of trees spanning from Norway to Japan, and beyond. Many of the larger ones like the Douglas and Noble Fir, and California Redwood were planted in the 1800s. Apparently Archibald was served Monkey Puzzle seeds for dessert while visiting Chile.
https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/lael-for…

After the walk in the woods we found our way to Ullapool, a quaint seaside town. Once parked on Shore Street, we stayed in the Van to enjoy a busker playing on the promenade. A found a fish monger nearby where we bought some lemon sole fillets and huge scallops to go with a pasta dinner. Of course we took the scenic somewhat coastal and mountainous route near the "Summer Isles". Not a lot to choose from regarding camp sites around here, so found a quiet pullout near a small fresh Loch. Just a short walk was a stoney beach to enjoy the last rays of the day. Two other campers joined us at the location for the night.Read more