After our exertions of yesterday, Jude and I decided a leisurely day at the beach was called for. So we set off over the Beallach na ba, one of the steepest roads in Britain, to Applecross. The drive over wouldn’t normally have been a problem, but the workmen had decided to close the road for a while to lay some drainage pipes. “We’ll keep the delay to a minimum” the man said, repeating it again when pressed, to make absolutely sure he didn’t give us even an estimated time. An hour and 10 minutes later we were on our way again… (Meanwhile I walked up the road and took some photos…)
The Coille Ghillie beach is known locally as the coral beach, due to its creamy white sand. I even plucked up the courage to go for a swim. (The first time I’ve ever beaten Jude into the sea !!)
Afterwards we had a delicious evening meal at the award winning Applecross Inn, which is owned and run by our good friend Judy. It’s well worth a visit if you are ever in the area.
I would also commend to you a fellow WordPress blogger by the name of Ali MacLeod, who writes some very interesting and informative articles on life in the NW of Scotland.
Alittlebitoutoffocus 
Such lovely photos, Mike — the vast openness and your skills yield peaceful photos.
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You’re too kind ! I just enjoy the challenge of getting to the top of the mountain and point the camera in what seems like the right direction and letting it do the rest. It’s great though that I can share them with a wider audience, who are obviously appreciating them, so many thanks for that. 🙂
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Sorry Jet, it’s early Sunday morning here and I still haven’t woken up yet! I still had the previous mountain post in my mind… But my comment about pointing the camera at anything that looks vaguely interesting still applies.
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Gorgeous!
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Thanks Paula. It was certainly a wonderful day. 🙂
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Stunning photographs! The sea does look very inviting…but it being May and in Scotland…you’re a tough guy!
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Thanks Tammy. It was a warm day, but I didn’t stay in long (less than 10 seconds probably) as it was a tad cool. Normally Jude is the one to brave the sea, so it was nice to be first for once. 🙂
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I’m glad the weather was so kind to you on your visit to Scotland. I can think of few better places to be on a beautiful summer’s day than the west coast. I too have happy memories of the Applecross Inn and driving over the Bealach na Ba.
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Yes, I read your blog about the Bealach. It’s certainly a beautiful part of the world. Shame the NC500 has to spoil it a bit.
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Hopefully the NC 500 novelty will wear off and the roads will be quieter again.
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I guess once someone has done it, they are unlikely to return – for a few years anyway. It’ll be interesting to see how long it lasts. One of our guests last week (they lived in Dundee) had cycled some parts of of it and knew someone who had cycled it all in one go – and in quite a fast time. Though how they avoided all the vehicles on those single track roads is a bit of a mystery.
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I think it would be great to cycle (although the Bealach na Ba would certainly be a challenge) but I’d want the roads to be quiet and I’d want to take my time and soak up my surroundings instead of racing against the clock. To be honest though, I’d rather find my own ‘route’ instead of jumping on the NC 500 bandwagon.
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I agree, good things should be savoured. Though I think the Bealach would be a challenge whichever direction you come at it!
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Wonderful photographs of a beautiful area, love the perspective of the passage shot – lovely by the coastline as well.
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Many thanks Mary. It was a wonderful holiday. We visit Lochcarron quite a lot as my wife used to live there for a short while and has a few friends in the area. We’ll be back again in May. 🙂
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