2 July
Last day and the morning dawned fair and sunny after overnight rain. Another journey along the mad little road to Lochinver and then along the A837 parallel to Loch Assynt and the other side of Quinag (808m). Mostly a sunny day with interesting cloud formations constantly changing the atmosphere of the landscape.
The ruins of Ardvreck castle (1490) stand on a promontory near the south eastern end of Loch Assynt. Calda house close by was built (1726) using re-cycled stone from Ardvreck castle. Now the house is also a ruin but much information on the house can be gleaned from an informative notice board. A short distance away is Inchnadamph, a mecca for geologists as the Moine thrust runs through the area. The gaelic name is Innis nan Damh meaning meadow of the stags. This was so true as a herd grazed contentedly in the meadow adjacent to the old parish Church of Assynt. Retracing our route we veered right northwards for Kylesku with Quinag on our left. We returned to 173 via the mad road of Sutherland stopping to enjoy the sunshine whilst strolling on an almost deserted beach with clear blue/green waters.
3rd July
Time to leave 173 departing at 0628 as the rains came in obliterating the towering mountains. Once south of Ullapool and Inverness rains cleared and sunny moments accentuated the landscape. Beyond Inverness we diverted eastwards for Cawdor Castle and Dulcie bridge, the latter through lichen enriched birch woods under planted with orchids, lingenberry & heather. Leaving the woodland the road rose to the open moor and we turned for Carbridge with a short detour past Lochindorb the square ruined castle set in the Loch . This morland road was shut on our Christmas venture and even Carbridge looked so different. A short diversion to Dalwhinnie distillery and a pleasant stream side spot for lunch before the motorway run to Braithwaite, Cumbria arriving 1530 where Molly and I joined my walking companions for an extended holiday. John continued homeward; a 17 hour journey on a par with the journey to 173.
4th July
An early morning walk with Molly accompanied by sounds of traffic brought home how special my week in Sutherland had been and that those memories must be cherished.
