Portree, something about sheep, and beyond

Thursday 10th July etc.

We picked up Sara and Judith in Portree at the start of  what was to be a lovely week.

From our anchorage in Portree.  We like Portree. Note my new shirt (left).

Thence to  Loch Ewe (no connection with sheep) and a very pleasant walk around Inverewe Gardens.

Next stop, The Summer Isles.

We found a wonderful sheltered anchorage between the isles and researched the reason for the islands' name.   Well ... apparently the Summer Isles are great for grazing .. in the Summer .. (obviously). Indeed, King Hakon (of The Battle of Largs fame) used to moor his sheep here from early July.  

King Hakon was of course a great leader and navigator but, one must say, completely rubbish when it came to animal husbandry.

The Battle of Largs (2nd October 1263)

Thence to Loch Torridon and Loch Sheildaig where we had a very nice walk.

Off on a very nice walk.

Walking in Torridon  (note absence of mainland sheep in Summer)

Next stop Isleornsay. We had planned to stop at Kyleakin but kept going, this was a good thing and we enjoyed supper in the pub that evening.

Wednesday 16 July.

Sara and Judith caught the bus to Portree and subsequently ended up in Ullapool. There is apparently a perfectly sound and reasonable explanation for this which may (or may not) be discussed in depth in later postings.

Jean and I set off in earnest for Arisaig, the forecast then started talking of a possible F8, so we phoned Mallaig, but Mallaig was full. After much concern., discussion, deliberation and general dithering we eventually arrived in Arisaig without seeing  much over F5.

Sunset in Arisaig.

Our journey home to Essex involved a ride in the flubber, four buses, an aeroplane and a taxi.