Thursday 29 May 2008

27/05/08 - Too many views to view.

I'm going to not compare camping spots anymore because surely this
north west region of Scotland is one the most beautiful regions in the
world. Its beauty comes from the combinaton of lochs (you just can't
call them lakes), mountains, sandy beaches, the sea itself and most
importantly the near absence of buildings. This region is the most
unpopulated in Europe and Daniel suggested that it would be perfect
for a bit of stargazing. I had to point out that that small window of
viewing opportunity is from about 12am to 3.30am!
This small populus translates to very expensive gas and no
conventional shops but I am reluctant to leave it behind as we head to
the Isle of Skye (which I'm sure is also very beautiful).
This morning we had a number of stops at various viewing points. There
are often very helpful profile boards naming all of the Peaks in view.
We were driving through and area dubbed the Geopark so we stopped off
Knockan Crag and followed the 'Rock Route.' This is the location of
the Moin Thrust which helped James Nicol in 1859 develop the theory of
thrust faults. This theory basically explains how layers of older rock
can end up sitting on top of younger rocks.

We then went on to Ullapool which is by far the biggest town we have
seen for 200 miles. We parked ourselves in a pub which reportedly had
wifi, paid for our beers... but no internet access. Apparently it was
being fixed whilst we were there; it is lucky the ale, mussels and
fries were good or I'd have been a bit put out:-)

Onward then to the Isle of Skye, but wait! before we get there we
have to drive through Wester Ross. Too beautiful not to stop so we've
parked up near Rubha Reibh overlooking the Isle of Skye and the Outer
Hebrides. Fresh fish for dinner, washed down with a glass a wine
watching the sunset; doesn't get much better.

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