Cottage Diary - Aspenwood self catering luxury Holiday Cottage overlooking Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland.

Red squirrels have been spotted in the woods surrounding Aspenwood Cottage and appear to have great fun chasing each other up and down the trees and playing amongst the bluebells in the undergrowth. They are very quick and do not stop to pose for a photo!

We have recently seen a large brown hare running at full speed along the front path and often going down to the water but the other day it actually stopped on the path and seemed to enjoy the warmth of the sun on its back. Neighbours have seen it whizz past their windows too.

The weather has been really wonderful this week so went for a lovely long leisurely walk.

Strolled along the forest track in front of our house admiring the carpets of wild primroses, the tiny white wood anenomes nestling in the shade and yellow gorse bushes covering the verges everywhere.

Woke up to a very misty morning on Loch Ness but also with an amazing reflection and as we enjoyed breakfast we watched as several boating craft emerged eerily from the mist. After about one hour the mist had disappeared into the water but it was really lovely while it lasted.

The native wild primroses are in full bloom in the South Loch Ness area and there is a colourful profusion growing on shady banks, along roadside verges along with numerous clumps carpeting the floors of deciduous woodlands. The indigenous gorse is also in flower. In the garden the daffodils are swaying in the breeze and the purple aubretia and primulas planted last year are emerging in the spring sunshine. Everywhere seems to be a riot of yellow and purple flowers.

After a relaxing lunch looking out onto a breathtaking vista we continued on the A832 for about 8 miles and drove alongside Gruinard Bay. Passed two smaller beaches, one of which was private, and parked opposite the next larger beach looking out onto several uninhabited islands and with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The views were amazing and the secluded beach had a crescent of fine, almost white, clean sand.






After a stroll along the sand we journeyed on passing tiny hamlets appropriately named 'Coast' and 'Second Coast'. Crossed over the peninsular and down to Loch Ewe, passing the popular Inverewe Gardens. Once more the views were awesome. Travelled on through the village of Poolewe and passed the large settlement of Gairloch overlooking Gair Loch.









For our return journey home we continued on the A832 passing the turn off to Shieldaig and drove along the side of lengthy Loch Maree and several smaller inland lochs all the way back to Garve. Here we turned right onto the A835 back to Inverness and home. The leisurely round trip was about a distance of 200 miles and took us about 6 hours from door to door. It was a terrific day out and another one to add to our 'Day Trips By Car From Aspenwood' folder.

Woke up Wednesday morning to find a sharp frost on the grass around the house and a lovely clear blue sky above. Decided to make the most of the day so after studying the map for a new place to explore on the west coast we packed a picnic, a flask of hot coffee, threw the warm coats in the car and set off.
Drove out of the city of Inverness north over the water of the Moray Firth on the Kessock Bridge to the big Torr roundabout. Took the second left turn onto the A835 signed to Ullapool. After about 10 miles, just after the village of Contin,we pulled in and stopped for a walk along the banks of the Black Water River. After all the rain of late the river water was really gushing noisily over the dramatic rock formations.







Drove on slowly enjoying the views, passing smaller Loch Garve and then the larger Loch Glascarnoch on our right. Continued to the Corrieshalloch Gorge and turned left onto the A832 signed to Inverewe Gardens and Gairloch. All the time we were driving through some stunning scenery of towering snow-capped mountains, several of which were Munros [mountains over 3,000 feet] making us feel very small. Many cars were parked at certain stops - evidence of Munro-baggers.We drove along the side of the sea loch Little Loch Broom which runs parallel to Loch Broom, on which the fishing village of Ullapool is situated. Near to the sea entrance of the loch we suddenly came across a breathtaking location with outstanding panoramic views which was an ideal place to stop for our lunch. Hats and coats were essential as it was very breezy with a chilly easterly wind. Watch the video and experience the sights and sounds with us. [turn your sound on]

Quite a pleasant bright day although still rather chilly for mid April. The recently born lambs in the fields near the village of Dores at the eastern end of Loch Ness were staying very close to their mothers warm fleecy coats. Others were enjoying their new life leaping about for joy and playing while others were relaxing with the warm sun on their backs.