Assynt and Stags

We got away from Rannoch Moor early this morning and enjoyed a fabulous run through to Fort William, then on to the Commando Monument at Spean Bridge, where we paused for photos and some stunning views as well as to pay our respects. Following that we pressed on, breakfasting in a layby with views of Loch Lochy. We paused again at Invermoriston to admire the falls and stroll in the woods around midmorning, taking advantage also of some superbly kept public loos and a drinking water tap on the village hall by the car park! A delightfully well equipped village! With a sparkling fresh 10L of water in the jerrycan, it was on to Inverness, then over the Kessock Bridge. We turned west again on the Ullapool road (A835) thus achieving a double crossing of the entire British Isles in one day and arrived in Inchnadamh (the Isle of Stags) in Assynt for a late lunch.
Having examined maps and finished lunch, we strolled through the little village, spotting some of the eponymous stags grazing by the road. The car park in the village being of the 'no overnight parking' variety, we drove on a couple more miles to a fine big carpark by the ruins of Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt, wandered around for half an hour or so and then, encouraged by a brisk shower falling heavily from great heights, returned to the Kite Wagon to pack our rucks and lay out hiking clothes for tomorrow's planned trek up to the caves under Cnoc nan Uamh, the Hill of Caves.