493 Rhiconich to Drochaid Mhor

[This walk was completed on the 3rd May 2023]

Today, I’m walking towards Durness. It’s only 14 miles, according to this road sign, but I won’t be doing the whole distance in one go. What was once an easy task (walking a mere 14 miles), now seems quite daunting. Of course, I also have to cycle the same distance… but I really am slowing down with old age!

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492 Blairmore to Sandwood Bay

[This walk was completed on the 2nd May 2023]

Every coastal walker who has walked through this area has told me I MUST visit Sandwood Bay. So, here I am, at the beginning of the path that leads to the beach, and I’m filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. I’m finally going to see this famous bay.

But, perhaps the route will be too tough for me? Even worse, perhaps the bay will turn out to be a disappointment?

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491pm Kinlochbervie to Blairmore

[This walk was completed on the 1st May 2023]

After my very unhealthy lunch of teacake with jam, I walk back up the hill to the turn off to Oldshoremore, where there is another hill to climb. Near the top I pass the Kinlochbervie Hotel. Great views!

At the top of the hill, the road narrows. I pass a cottage with its front wall painted bright orange – an unusual colour for a wall, although I have seem many orange/red roofs in Scotland.

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491am Rhiconich to Kinlochbervie

[This walk was completed on the 1st May 2023]

The Rhiconich Hotel may not look anything special from the outside, but inside it is a warm and welcoming place. There is a bar, a restaurant, a friendly host, good cider, and last night there was a log fire in the woodburner in the lounge. Bliss!

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490 Road to Rhiconich

[This walk was completed on 30th April 2023]

I hide my bike behind a large rock just off the main road. It’s a murky, miserable sort of day, but I’m in surprisingly good spirits – because tonight I’m moving to a hotel in Rhiconich, and I’m looking forward to decent food and an ensuite shower!

Yesterday, I ended my walk with a painful foot. This was very worrying, only a few days into my month-long trek. But, after taking ibuprofen and a PPI to protect my stomach (yep, I’m a doctor and worry about everything) my foot feels absolutely fine this morning. Such a relief

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489 Tarbet, through Laxford Bridge

[This walk was completed on the 29th April, 2023]

Today, I am walking along the road towards Rhiconich, although I may not get as far as that if I get distracted by diversions! I chain my bike beside a gate on the Tarbet road, and join the main road towards Laxford Bridge. To my right is a pretty loch, Loch a Bhagh Ghainmhich.

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488 Tarbet Circuit

[This walk was completed on the 28th April 2023]

I set off walking along this beautiful stetch of road, which drops down to run beside the shore of Loch nam Brac. Soon, I forget all about my doubts, and settle down to enjoy the day.

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487 Scourie to Tarbet

[This walk was completed on the 27th April 2023]

My plan today is an 8 mile hike – 3 miles across country from Scourie to Tarbet, and then a 5 mile road-circuit around the Tarbet area. So, I’ve parked in Tarbet and ridden my Scooty bike back to the campsite at Scourie, where I leave it looking rather lonely. Most of the other campers have left. At least my bike has a nice view.

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486 Badcall to Scourie

[This walk was completed on the 26th April 2023]

My first Scottish walk of the year, and I am feeling wildly exhilerated to be back. I cycle down to the exact same spot where I finished my walk last year, hide my Scooty bike among some gorse bushes, and set off up the road.

I am a little disconcerted when a small van pulls up in the same place I’ve just left. Perhaps they will steal my bike? It’s locked with a massive, heavy D ring – but all you have to do is pick it up and throw it in your van…

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485 Newton to Loch Duartbeg

[This walk was completed on the 2nd September 2022]

I have had a hairy cycle ride to get here, with gusty winds pushing me from side to side, and some punishing hills. So, I ‘m grateful for this bench…

After a drink and a snack, I feel much better. Time to take a self-portrait in front of Loch Glencoul. It’s a beautiful spot.

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