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

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.

Labels: primrose, primroses

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.

Labels: birds

Due to the vast number of birds that we feed on our new bird table it is not too surprising that the predatory sparrowhawk is in the vicinity. However,we designed the table with a hawk-proof roof so the smaller birds are quite safe eating. The other day the sparrowhawk unfortunately entered the air space of the family of hooded crows who have lived in Farigaig Forest for as long as we've lived here and he was attacked very noisily, eventually retreating to a tree until they had gone.

Labels: birds

Wednesday was a warm,bright day so we packed a picnic and went out for the day. We had a nice leisurely drive over the Moray Firth on the Kessock Bridge and onto The Black Isle. Hadn't been going long when we spotted three red kites, with their distinctive forked tails, soaring above us. Drove through the village of Rosemarkie and turned in right at the car park just beyond The Plough Inn at the start of The Fairy Glen walk. Strolled along the side of a beck and were amazed at the masses of tiny yellow flowers covering the forest floor. Found out later they are known as 'Lesser Celandine' and the flowers only open in the sunshine - so lucky us! Passed a wee tranquil pond with the water reflecting the tall trees surrounding it. Followed the beck and walked over small wooden bridges and under larger stone bridges listening to the birdsong and the increasing sound of gushing water. The two waterfalls at the end of the walk were fantastic and we stayed for ages just looking and listening to the almost deafening sound. A good day out and so near home. Enjoyed our picnic at Chanonry Point and watched the sun glistening on the water of The Moray Firth.Experience what we saw and heard -remember to turn your sound on.

A new rectangular solid oak table and padded chairs are now in situ in the open plan dining area of the cottage. This week the fifth chair is not needed at the table so it is in the master bedroom. New table mats and coasters are in the kitchen drawer.
The snow has been gradually melting on the mountains opposite but - surprise, surprise - there is some forecast for this weekend!

Labels: aspenwood, Loch Ness