490 Road to Rhiconich

Posted on July 6, 2023 by Ruth Livingstone

[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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Posted in 24 North Coast of Scotland | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

489 Tarbet, through Laxford Bridge

Posted on July 3, 2023 by Ruth Livingstone

[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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Posted in 24 North Coast of Scotland | Tagged , , , , | 17 Comments

488 Tarbet Circuit

Posted on June 30, 2023 by Ruth Livingstone

[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

Posted on June 27, 2023 by Ruth Livingstone

[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

Posted on June 8, 2023 by Ruth Livingstone

[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

Posted on March 17, 2023 by Ruth Livingstone

[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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484 Loch Ardbhair to Newton Lodge, Unapool

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Ruth Livingstone

[This walk was completed on the 1st September 2022]

I leave my bike hidden in a ditch at the top of the hill. The two red cars I saw yesterday are still there and I assume the walkers must be wild camping somewhere in the wilderness. On closer inspection, the cars look a little dilapidated. Have they been abandoned? It’s a mystery.

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483 Drumbeg to Loch Ardbhair

Posted on March 13, 2023 by Ruth Livingstone

[This walk was completed on the 31st August 2022]

I leave my Scooty bike chained to a signpost in the parking spot above Drumbeg. What a beautiful view for my bike to admire, while he waits for me to finish my walk and return.

It is another stunning summer’s day, with clear blue skies and great visibility. I’m not the only one admiring the view this morning – a bevy of motorbikes has arrived, and a couple of touring cyclists are having breakfast on one of the picnic benches.

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482b Drumbeg

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Ruth Livingstone

[This walk was completed on the 30th August 2022]

The road makes a sharp, almost right-angled bend, around the tip of a marshy estuary where the Oldany River empties into a sea loch. When I cycled past this morning, the tide was high and the estuary looked delightful. It’s still very prettty. I stop to take photographs.

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482a Stoer to Drumbeg

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Ruth Livingstone

[This walk was completed on the 30th August 2022]

Back at the turn-off to the Stoer lighthouse, I stash my Scooty bike behind the village hall, chain it up and return to the road. No lighthouse today, instead I’m sticking to the main road and heading northwards. Time to get going.

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Posted in 22 Highlands | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments