Easter has fallen a bit earlier this year which of course guarantees weather, when I say weather I mean it all, all sorts including gale force winds. The ride up to Applecross (sidecar mounted) was excellent, sunny when we left, almost freezing but dry at Drumochter, stunning along the Loch Laggan road, quiet to Invergarry and then to Loch Carron where we stopped for a late breakfast courtesy of Kate and Geoff at the Riverside cafe, It turned a bit windy and wet over the Bealach (my maiden voyage over here in the sidecar, Fiona having already piloted it over last Summer)
Bert and Laurenne arrived 5 minutes after us but sensibly in the Land Rover, putting the tent up was a challenge in the windy and wet conditions. We got wetter putting the tent up than riding the 250 miles up there! A change of clothes, aperitifs with Bert and Laurenne in their "Glamping" tent and then the usual mayhem at the pub, great to see everyone and spend some time with Judith later when it died down. A usual Applecross day on Saturday, Lunch and Dinner in the Walled garden, time catching up with our friends who live in Applecross and more banter with Bert and Laurenne. A most excellent experience.
Sunday the McCalls (like most of the other Glampers) had abandoned the site early due to tent leakage and breakage during the previous nights storm, We had breakfast at the Walled garden and then rode up via the coast road, Torridon, Gairloch and Ullapool to
Kenny and Sheilas hotel at Lochinver . This has to be one of the most spectacular rides in Scotland and forms part of the NC500 route being promoted by the tourist board, truly amazing. The Culag Hotel in Lochinver a great place to stop off if your considering doing it at some point. Monday the ride home, fantastic until Inverness then the slog down the A9. A great Easter weekend despite the "weather", great company and hospitality, we shared the sidecar driving (although its probably more like steering a boat) and did over 700 miles.
The sidecar's done over 1000 miles the last 2 weekends so its won a reprieve!
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| Fuel at Dalwhinnie |
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| A stream |
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| Applecross house |
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| Highland cows with their new born calves |
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| Applecross bay |
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| Out for a walk |
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| Tent and chair |
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| Rain while we pack up |
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| Torridon (I think) |
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| Pose for a pick |
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| Pretty |
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| Ullapool |
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| Gas stop Ullapool |
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| My turn to pilot |
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| The Bealach |
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| In the rain |
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| Coo's |
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| Selfie |
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| Has to be one of the most stunning roads |
