Having enjoyed two hill days, the weather took a turn for the worse with rain forecast and little chance of cloud free summits. We therefore opted to stay local.
Ullapool Hill
Our morning walk saw us leave from our B & B (Riverside) and head up the path from the village. Much to my delight, the Calmac ferry was loading and as we headed up the hill it set sail, heading for Stornoway.
Our route took us up the hill where it became increasingly blustery. Rain showers passed over, at one point we sheltered close to the bushes to avoid the worst of the rain, hitting us from behind.
Towards the top of the hill we got views of the village but having been thoroughly spoiled in previous days we perhaps didn’t appreciate them as much as we might.
Heading down, following a circular route, we passed some houses on the outskirts, including this one where I spotted a severed hand.
Continuing back down the road, the heavens opened yet again. Our timing on this occasion was perfect, passing a very convenient shelter at someone’s garage, the overhang providing just enough coverage for us to observe the downpour without getting soaked. It was torrential, thankfully short-lived.
The rain passed, the skies cleared and we returned to Ullapool in the relative sunshine.
Knockan Crag
After a wee wander around the village, we headed off in the car to visit Knockan Crag:
Arriving there it was raining (again) so we sat in the car awaiting a break in the weather. The day was such that the cloud was moving quickly and rain showers were passing over and clearing frequently. The clouds parted and we grabbed the opportunity.
We followed the route anticlockwise, initially heading up lots of steps. This wasn’t a challenge for us but we’re advised that for some the walk is more challenging than anticipated.
We romped round, trying to get to the globe ahead of the rain. We failed. The rain came on just as we reached it, then getting significantly heavier!
Blowing right at us, we moved as quickly as we could, running on the flatter sections of path and taking our time on the rocky steps. We reached the information area which was covered and sheltered among the boards until this shower eased.
The last couple of hundred metres to the car was in the rain, trousers soaked, the only upside being that it was the front of our legs only.
An Evening at the Arch Inn
Home and dried out, we headed down to the Arch Inn for the evening. There we bumped into another guest from our B & B, an older chap who was driving the NC500 route. We enjoyed a good blether with him, hearing stories of his life and sharing some of our adventures.
Dinner in the restaurant was very enjoyable, a very good meal (Cullen Skink and fishcakes). A sensible decision saw us then head home for an early night. Party on!
