Day three of our Scottish holiday brought sun and promising weather. We had to leave Ullapool and travel to the Torridon area so our walks were a bit shorter.
We first went on a river/gorge walk following the Cuileig river which is used for hydro-electric power.
Climbing out of the gorge after viewing several lovely waterfalls, we emerged onto the moors and took a scenic path back.
Then we headed off onto the North Coast 500 road which curves its way south along the coast. Near Gairloch we stopped off to stretch our legs and have a beach walk. I absolutely love the beaches in Scotland; there is no better place for colour inspiration. Gairloch Beach proper is quite popular with tourists, but our guide knew just where to stop on the highway, park the van and lead us through an obscure path to a lesser known and just as beautiful part of the beach. Even the walk towards the water was gorgeous with the hillsides covered in autumn hues. I love the orange bracken against the purple heather with this almost minty green dancing before it.
And here is the deserted beach, just waiting for us.
Just look at the strata of colour in this one section of rock!
Before heading for our hotel, we just had time to stop for an hour at Inverewe Gardens, where ironically, we got completely drenched in a sudden downpour. It was the wettest I got during the whole holiday.
But it has one of the most vibrant lily ponds I've ever seen.
Our base for the next few days was right on the banks of Loch Maree. So peaceful and beautiful with the water just lapping on the hotel's backyard.
The next day was my favourite walk of the whole trip and deserves a post all on its own.
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