The Magnificent Highlands and Islands
I was very lucky to be able to head up north last weekend and catch some cracking weather. I camped out at one of my absolute favourite locations, a fantastic campsite just off the magnificent 'Road to the Isles'. When I arrived on Friday evening it was a bit blustery with a cold wind blowing in from the north. This made putting my tent up for the night a 'fun' challenge! Nonetheless, waking up on Saturday morning to a view of Eigg and Rum made the previous evening's challenge, and a broken night's sleep, every bit worth it. After drinking up the morning views, I took a leisurely stroll along the beach, jumped in my car and then headed along the scenic coastal road into Mallaig.
Saturday lunch time in Mallaig was bustling with life. Seagulls swooped hopefully overhead the glistening harbour town, which was buzzing with activity and a throng tourists. For lunch I ordered a club sandwich and a lovely pot of green tea at the Tea Garden. Its garden terrace was splashed with a colourful display of beautiful, hanging baskets, and was a welcoming suntrap that looked out on to Mallaig's harbour. Here I soaked up the sunshine, whilst enjoying my lunch and the resident entertainment: some friendly, little birds. They danced and battled playfully with one another to the gentle tune of differing accents and languages, hoping to secure themselves a gourmet lunch from the terrace floor. Lunch was delicious, and afterwards I made good use of my remaining afternoon by squeezing in a quick ferry trip over to Skye. Upon my return I concluded the perfect day with a walk along the white sands of Morar. Bliss!
It was sad having to leave on Sunday. The cold wind had been replaced by a warmer, delicate breeze and the soft calls of oyster catchers. My spirits were soon lifted as I journeyed home; by the time I had hit Glencoe the views were absolutely breathtaking! I briefly stopped off at Rannoch Moor to photograph the warm, glassy, stillness and I can’t wait to get started on painting some of this stunning scenery :)
