Our NC500 Adventure

15/09/2023

It’s our last night 😢
We stayed up to watch the aurora boreal is last night but only managed to see in the phones as they pick up the light better than the naked eye. The weather has changed and the wind dropped to give us a beautiful view over the Loch this morning when we woke. Got caught in a traffic jam, turns out it was caused by cows being moved from one field to another. A visit to Eileen Donan castle as we came off Skye. A quick visit to the RM Commandos memorial at Spean Bridge then onto our last campsite at Fort William, with mountains all around, including Ben Nevis. Darren’s last meal had to be haggis, neeps and tatties with a whiskey sauce. Homeward bound tomorrow.
This has been one of our best holidays ever and we would recommend it to anyone.

14/09/2023

Still in Skye, moved to Dunvegan now and had to visit Dunvegan Castle. Weather was atrocious last night so we had very little sleep. Had a nana nap this afternoon and are now on aurora watch, as there is a good chance we will see the lights tonight. This has to be an absolute bonus for us as we missed them in Iceland. Last stop tomorrow in Glen Nevis…

13/09/2023

Eventful day starting with a mega walk to The Old Man of Storr (it’s a rock) walking up a mountain, Darren got further than I did (I got to 1500 feet) before the weather turned and we got absolutely soaked on the descent but it was a good walk. Then headed to Kilt Rock and waterfall (no photo) and found some Sauropod dinosaur footprints, which was exciting. Quick bit of shopping and fajitas for dinner. The weather is wild tonight so tucked up in the warm. Darren bought some of the local whiskey. When in Scotland… 🥃

12/09/2023

A full on day travelling from Applecross to Portree in Skye. Darren drove the famous Balach Na Ba, over the mountain, with stunning views at the top (2053 feet). Visited the Fairy Pools on Skye, a long run of waterfalls from the bottom of the mountain. Dipped my feet and that was enough! Just had our first barbecue as sun was shining, although still around 14 degrees. Off to find dinosaur prints tomorrow.

11/09/2023

Early start as quite a long drive today. Stopped at the incredible Corrieshallock Gorge with another stunning waterfall. Onto Victoria Falls (another waterfall!), drove through the most dramatic scenery yet, popped into the Russian Arctic Convoy exhibition for a bit of a WWII history lesson and have now arrived at Applecross, with dinner booked at the local pub. Oh and we met Callum the highland stag who always hangs around a particular car park and some more Highland Coos.
Now having a drink overlooking Skye, which is where we are headed tomorrow. Cannot wait!
Edit: the waterfalls were particularly spectacular today due to the fact the sky emptied itself all last night!

10/09/2023

Ardmair campsite on Loch Kanaird, sitting out the rain. Darren went out to catch mackerel for dinner so we had steak burgers 🤣

10/09/2023

The beautiful Achmelvic Bay and Darren in his happy place!

09/09/2023

09/09/2023

We started the day looking for orcas and dolphins as they had passed our site on the previous two days, but no luck. Moved on into the west highlands and the weather has changed dramatically. Visited the wailing widow falls and ardvreck castle and had the scariest drive yet, through the mountains on a single track road with blind bends and not enough passing places! We have finally managed to see some Highland Coos and seen a few deer tonight on the mountain next to the campsite but it’s pouring now so not sure we will see any more. Forecast for tomorrow is not great but it will probably change before we wake 🤞

08/09/2023

We have had a full on, indulgent and exhausting and the best day! Started off with a visit to Smoo caves, followed by the best cheese toastie in the world. Popped back to get our beach stuff and walked miles to the most amazing beach, which we had all to ourselves for most of the afternoon. Popped into Cocoa Mountain on the way for definitely the best hot chocolate in the world. Exhausted and off to bed as an early start to what we hope will be an exciting day tomorrow!

07/09/2023

07/09/2023

07/09/2023

The most beautiful drive around Loch Eriboll, the deepest sea Loch in Scotland (60 metres in places) to Sango Sands Oasis in Durness. We are here for 2 nights for a bit of a rest. Off to explore Smoo caves in the morning then see where the day takes us. Videos on separate posts

06/09/2023

Just beautiful - Strathy beach

06/09/2023

Our campsite owners dog bin, us at Dunnets Head, the highest point on the mainland. Then more stunning beaches, Strathy beach was stunning and the wind was blowing over us so perfect for a spot of sunbathing and a dip in the sea (that’s me, Darren managed to get his shorts wet but only just!). We are now at the Kyle of Tongue and off to Sango Sands tomorrow to try and get in, otherwise we will be in a car park down the road. Will post another with the videos from today.

05/09/2023

After a boggy walk from yesterday’s campsite came across this amazing beach at Dornoch last night, made it in up to my ankles! Visited Duncansby stacks (rubbish photo and no, they’re not my horns). A random man on his solar powered bike who we overtook 3 times today and made it to John O’Groats. The last photo are our neighbours tonight, hopefully they don’t get up too early!

05/09/2023

Waiting for the salmon to swim upstream.

04/09/2023

Watch out for the jumping Salmon!

04/09/2023

Darren contemplating his next water feature at the falls of Shin today. Such a beautiful place!

04/09/2023

04/09/2023

What a view to wake up to on a Monday morning 😀 Yesterday’s waterfall at Fairy Glen Falls, in search of a bigger one today.

03/09/2023

Lovely evening watching a pod of dolphins and a couple of seals. Too far to photograph so we will try again tomorrow 🐬

03/09/2023

02/09/2023

430 miles and a well deserved drink for driver Darren Warren 🍺

02/09/2023

Stopped off in a lay-by by the river Almond

02/09/2023

Today is the day. We set off at 5:50am with satnav showing 8 and a half hours to Inverness. The first campsite isn’t booked until tomorrow night so no idea where we are staying tonight but it will be in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿