Gruinard Bay | Granny's ramblings

We anchored off Ullapool early next morning, another hot sunny day. I had a “deja-vu” feeling and then when we went ashore and along the sea front I realised why when I saw the Youth Hostel. I had been there before,more than 50 years ago when my friend Beryl and I had hitch-hiked around Scotland in our second year nursing!

Ullapool and beyond!

Harbour

Ullapool is on the mainland and part of Wester Ross and the scenery around is towering mountains, cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches.

We had booked to go on a short tour and once again we had an excellent guide, Kenneth, who gave us a potted history of the area, the highland clearances and the fight for Crofters rights and Land reform. A group , founded by Chris Brasher have raised money to buy up estates so that they can sell homes only to the local workers, so that local housing is kept for them rather than sold as second homes.

He also told us about the grades of mountains….Monroes (over3000 ft), Corbetts (2,500ft),

Our first stop was at Corrieshall Gorge

Corrieshalloch Gorge Notice board

The more energetic walked down to the bridge to see the Measach Falls, sadly not at their most spectacular due to the very dry summer. JW and I just walked part way down…….we know our limitations 🙂 and admired the varied vegetation. The heather was just coming into bloom. As we looked down the hillside it was easy to imagine the Highlanders hiding from the Redcoats.

“Bonnie Purple Heather”

We drove along the scenic road. towards Gruinard Bay admiring the West Highland scenery. Despite sometimes harsh and unforgiving countryside, there is evidence of earlier civilisations for more than 3000 years.

Misty hills

Gruinard Bay

Road back to Ullapool

We arrived back on board, sated with the beauty of this area. We left at 5pm on our way to the Orkney Isles and watched more beautiful islands and colourful sunsets.