The Glory of Ross

Still very unspoiled and remote, Wester Ross is very often missed from the visitor’s itinerary, possibly through pressure of time.

If there is one area of the Highlands that affords different and breathtaking views as another bend of the road unwinds, then it is this spectacular area. Mirrored, majestic mountains, heather hills, tree lined lochs and wildlife abound here.

The songwriter, Dave Goulder, an Englishman who has made his home and living in the Highlands of Scotland, sums it up in his song,

And, if I had a hundred homes,

and could stay in each a while,

I’d build them all along the coast

from Sandwood down to Kyle.

A day’s journey can encompass Achnasheen, Lochcarron and Applecross with its long association with Saint Maelrubha, who founded a monastery there. Maelrhuba later made his home on one of Loch Maree’s islands and gave the Loch its name. The mountain road, to Applecross, the Bealach Nam Bo, (Pass of the Cattle) rises a thousand feet in a mile and a half. Not for the faint hearted!

On through the idyllic villages of Shieldaig and Torridon to Kinlochewe and spectacular views of Loch Maree. Ben Eighe and Torridon are a Nature Reserve. Through Gairloch and Aultbea we reach the world famous tropical gardens of Inverewe at Poolewe. The gardens are influenced by the warm current from the faraway Gulf Stream and were originally planted by Sir Osgood MacKenzie over 100 years ago. They are now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland.

Our homeward journey takes us past the Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach. A panoramic view from there is afforded of Loch Broom tempting the visitor to visit Ullapool, Achiltibuie and the Summer Isles.

The beautiful county of Sutherland awaits for another day.