I suppose the pandemic has had a dreadful affect on all forms of tourism, and far be it from me to detract from that. However, the lesser number of tourists did make for the drive to be much less frenetic.
What was noticeable was the number of cars parked in such parking laybys that were available and no one near the cars. Presumably hill-walkers setting out for the various Munro's that are close to the road.
Ardvrek Castle built in the 16th century by the Clan McLeod jutting out on a peninsula in Loch Assynt in Sutherland and Bunty and I were greeted by a lady swimming out to it rather than walking over the grassy path. Oh well each to their own !
The Assynt Mountain Range in the distance, but no technology here ! With views like this though do you need it ?
We reached our destination Loch an Inbhir to give the village its Gaelic name !
Lochinver was one of Bunty's ports of call when she worked for the National Health and she's been regailing me of the culinary delights of the "Pie Shop" whose stock in trade was the range of pies to make you wilt under the over-indulgence of these culinary delights.
Prior to returning it was almost "de Rigeur" to visit the Highland Stoneware shop for the lasting memory of a beautifully hand-painted plate form the "Loch Assynt" collection;
The journey back was tranquil since we cut off to head towards Lairg and most of the journey taken on single track road with "passing places". Since this is off the NC500 route it was by most standards quiet.
Crossing the River Carron by the renowned Bonar Bridge;
and headed towards "Inbhir Nis" via Ardross and eventually back over the Black Isle.
Almost 200 miles in this round trip, but truly worth the effort !
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