Day 9 Salen – Ardnamurchan Point – Skye – Balmacara – 220 Miles.

Once again, the midges were out in force this morning – however, I'd bought a midge hood yesterday that made a world of difference! We had another point on our list to see today – Arnamurchan point is the westernmost point on mainland UK. It's quite a remote spot, which took a 25-mile ride out and back, along a narrow winding road. We were pleased to see there was a visitors' centre and a coffee shop – sadly as we were there at 8am on a Sunday, they were firmly closed!





















After we got back from the point, we again made our way north towards Malaig for the ferry across to Skye. We were well ahead of time so stopped in a really nice coffee shop on the way – although I couldn't connect to their wifi to upload this.

We reached the ferry in good time, and joined the queue of bikes (most of which were Dutch.) The half-hour crossing went without incident, but we did get to see the start of the British Grand Prix. The roads of Skye were up to the standard of the rest of western Scotland. As I can trace my family tree back to the MacLeods of Skye, I was particularly keen to visit Dunvegan Castle, home to the clan for 800 years. I can't say it's the most picturesque castle, but the location was wonderful, and the castle full of interesting history (not just because of my family connection.)




















From the north of Skye it was south and over the relatively new Skye Bridge – which no longer charges a toll. We found our accommodation for the night – Balmacara House, an MoD Adventure Training centre with a great view of Skye across the Loch.

Quite a short day by our usual standards, and it was good to have a fairly early finish for a change!