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Dingwall to the Pentland Firth Route Map |
| As we had neared Dingwall to resume the walk at the point that we had left off some months earlier we were aware that the weather was deteriorating. Threatening black clouds were racing across the sky and intermittent heavy showers made Dingwall a gloomy starting point, but once we were out of the town and up the hill the clouds gave way to the late afternoon sun. Our views to the east over the Cromarty firth were now sunlit, the windscreens of the cars flashed as they crossed the new bridge from the Black Isle. Beyond the bridge we could see a long line of oil rigs anchored in the safe haven close to Invergordon. We had only about seven miles to walk to Evanton this afternoon, so could afford to relax in the sunshine for twenty minutes or so in a cornfield after a few miles. The straw left behind by the combine made a comfortable couch. At Evanton we checked in at the campsite and pitched the tents. We were pleased to see the Contin contingent arrive at the site at the same time as us, we all adjourned to the pub in the main street where we had a very pleasant evening before saying our farewells and arranging to be picked up the following Sunday at Tongue. |
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Wednesday morning was very damp with a heavy dew making the tents weigh much more than when dry. As I rolled up the peapod trying to squeeze out as much water as possible I tore a tiny hole in the nylon roof with the zip tag. I hoped that the next four nights would be dry. We were on the way by about eight o'clock and as we climbed up the Struie hill on the A836 we knew we would have to beware of the traffic, but it was not too bad, after about nine o’clock it was fairly quiet and when walking we can hear the approach of vehicle
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Today’s walk, we knew would be all uphill, we took our time and took a rest when we thought we deserved one. The few places along the way that looked as though they could offer us refreshment and snacks were all closed, being September the tourist season was more or less over. Much of the country side around us was either arable farming or woodland, beautiful coloured fungi decorate the woodland In places. |
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| At about one o'clock we came upon a sign board promising us refreshments at the next lay by, although sceptical we looked forward to finding them. As it turned out a mobile snack bar was parked on a grassy area by a steam and we were able to get a much needed drink and burger. We stretched out by the stream in the sunshine and promised ourselves an hours rest. Things didn't work out quite like that. The rain clouds that had been away in the distance suddenly arrived and made us pack up quickly and move on ... It's no fun sitting In the rain. It's better to be on the move. Here high on Struie the surroundings are beautiful. The two photographs on this page are as we approached the Aultnamain Inn. |  |
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