After three long rides it was just a short 26 miler from Ullapool up to the Achiltiebuie. Well its wasn't really as it was taking my off the NC500 route for a day and would cost me the next day, but its somewhere I have always wanted to go so I thought it was worth the detour.
I had a late morning in Ullapool, I paid for a continental breakfast in the hostel which was brilliant and I loaded myself up with food. Then I had a short walk around town before a trip to the
Ullapool museum which was very interesting. Lots of information about life past and present in the area and also info the Achiltiebuie area.
The short run up started with a nice big hill out off Ullapool (of course !!). Then the route followed the main A835 for about 10 miles or so. It wasn't busy and a nice ride. Just as you turn off to head toward Achiltiebuie and Coigach you are entering
Northwest highlands Geo Park and the mountains and scenery up here are spectacular.
You cycle along a very quite single track road up the peninsula past 3 lochs (Lurgainn, Bad a'Ghaill and Osgaig) and the famous Stac Polly.
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| 2 ancient rock formations (Me and Stac Polly !!!). |
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| Stac Polly and the road to Coigach. |
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| Cycling past Stac Polly. |
One of the most beautiful rides of the tour along the Coigach to the village of Achiltiebuie. I had lunch at the
piping school cafe before trying to find my accommodation for the night. I was staying at the
Achininver hostel which is amazing. It's a converted croft and has recently been taken over my new owners and it spotless, comfortable and cosy. Its a bit of am adventure getting there as it down a rough track to the beach and I had to push Boardy down there. However it was well worth it.
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| Acheninver hostel. |
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| Inside the hostel. |
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| Bridge I had to cross to get there. |
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| A fantastic location. |
After settling in I went for a walk along the beach to the pub at the Summer Isles hotel.
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| Walk along the beach |
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| Rusty Winch. |
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| Old boats. |
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| Great views. |
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| Shed. |
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| Pano looking toward the summer isles. |
I had dinner back in the hostel and a great night chatting with fellow travellers. It was a great day and a good rest before a big day tomorrow which was a ride all the way to the Durness right at the north of Scotland.
Here's a good website on
Achiltiebuie and Coigach.
Not usually got the patience to read blogs but this all looks great - really jealous - makes me remember cycle touring as a young teenager =- which I always did alone and like you loved the meeting others at night in the hostels.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, glad you are enjoying my blog. Its the first time I've done anything like this (im 44 !!!). I agree the best part of the experience is travelling alone and the people you meet,
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