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Coasting Round Britain

30th March 2013 to 12th July 2014
Toscaig to Corran (16)
1389 out of 5630 miles completed

Log No 88. Sun 21st Jul 2013 - Applecross to east of Airigh-drishaig, 12 miles (1389 miles walked)

Ard-Dhubh and the Cuillin Hills

It was another silent, peaceful day and I set off at 08.00 ambling up the road soaking up the views, I could see all the Cuillin Hills on Skye but they were just a bit hazy.

There was barely a ripple in the bay at Camusteel as I watched a pair of otters swim across it.

The road was a good bit higher than the water and 7 geese flew slowly below me in perfect formation and there was a beautiful mirror image in the water, if I'd only had my camera ready!

At Camusteel I was right next to the phone mast and I still couldn't get a decent signal.

Looking back to Uags Bothy
The road ended at Toscaig and I took the signed footpath to Uags and Airigh-drishaig.

It was really too hot for comfortable walking but I took my time and it was an easy path.

The building at Uags turned out to be another bothy, recently done up, and I stopped in it for a while to try to cool down. There was one book in it which I exchanged for the one I had just finished reading.

The coastline from Uags
From Uags the path was pretty indistinct and I was probably using deer trails.

I was certainly on it in a couple of places because I went through a stile near the small loch and on a ladder over a deer fence.

Approaching Airigh-drishaig, a house with no road to it, I could see it had hydro power into it so it was either someone's home or a very upmarket bothy.

I went to investigate and a sign on the gate said "Welcome, please use the garden and porch for shelter".

There was some washing on the line and the front door was open, as I got to the door a voice said "Hello" and John invited me in.

John has been leasing the old stalkers cottage for 16 years and when he isn't there he leaves the porch unlocked with a kettle and tea, soup etc for any passing traveller.

Dave at Airigh-drishaig
John
I spent a very pleasant 3 hours with John and he gave me numerous cold & hot drinks and made me soup and a filled roll.

I'm sure he would have put me up for the night if I hadn't said I was planning to camp a bit further up the coast. He said you're welcome back any time, a very generous gentleman and he gave me a £10 donation.

Looking to Kishorn
There was no path for this next section so I followed the line of hydro poles which seemed to take an easier line along the contours.

I stopped for the night a mile or so before a quarry and track to the road, it was 18.30.

There was a breeze at first but by the time I had gone to collect some water and got back the wind had dropped and the midges were thick. In the tent it sounds like it is light rain outside but it is just midges hitting the tent.

Another enjoyable day but only 12 miles.