Holiday in the Highlands - Part 2 (Applecross and Strome Castle)

“What are men to rocks and mountains?”

― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

On Saturday we drove to Applecross. However, first, breakfast! The cool thing about Ardoch Bothy is that it had a fully stocked kitchen so I was able to get up early and make some coffee. Then, I'd wake Steve and start breakfast.

It's always best to let me have my coffee. Anyway, moving on. The drive to Applecross involved crossing through the Applecross mountains. There was a sign before the ascent that said, "Not for learner drivers." Good thing I've been driving here for 3 months! ;)

Just what I needed...an opportunity to reverse the car on a cliff, which I did to allow a car to pass.

Look I can see a waterfall way over there!

Steve at Bealach Na Ba Viewpoint. 2053 ft.

Once we got to Applecross, we stopped at the Applecross Inn (totally recommend) for lunch. We shared a crab salad and fish and chips (of course with peas because fish and chips here seem to always come with peas.).  I saw a picture on the wall of Gerard Butler with one of the owners.

"Steve! I could be sitting on the same stool he sat on."
"I know! And just think, you might be eating with the same silverware that he used."
"I doubt that..."

After lunch we took a walk. Applecross Bay is beautiful and has some very interesting geology (I guess?). Steve spent lots of time looking at the rocks. I finally managed to get a picture that didn't have him bent over... if you know what I mean. HAHA.

Applecross Bay

Applecross

Applecross Bay with Isle of Skye in background

Walking to Milltown

We headed back a little early because we didn't want to make that drive through the mountains of Applecross in the dark.

There were sheep in the road just like in the movies!

By the time we got near the Ardoch Bothy, we realized that we still had a while before sunset so we decided to visit Strome Castle. Steve and I are so alike. We wondered around the ruins trying to guess what they did in there. :o)

It's interesting to see what they put in their "concrete"

Loch Carron surrounding Strome Castle

At the end of the day, we relaxed in the warm bolt-hole and decided to play Monopoly. I was setting up the board when Steve said, "Ummm... this is very British Monopoly."

"What do you mean?"
"Look at the names of the properties..." hehe

It was an amazing day with an amazing ending. Beautiful isn't it? I told Steve that it was like taking a holiday in a painting. The photo below was not edited. :)

Just for fun:

Here is the full video of us descending the Applecross Mountains. You can hear me at the beginning of the descent (and video) say, "Whooooooa." HAHA. Enjoy the drive and Steve's filming. :o)