Slowing down in Assynt

During the spell of warm sunny weather at the end of May 2012 we took the opportunity for a few days in Scotland's north west. Assynt has long been a favourite area of ours - we've been there in all weathers and at all times of the year and the place never disappoints. The weekend's forecast was outstanding and the day got warmer and warmer on the scenic drive from Inverness past Ullapool and into Coigach. 

Once off the main Ullapool road, all ways to Assynt are single track roads with passing places.  Speeds drop dramatically and this is a good thing; there's time to enjoy the tremendous scenery.  This is the view from Aird of Coigach to some of Assynt's strikingly individual hills with the pointed summit of Stac Pollaidh prominent and the mass of Cul Mor to the right.

We'd booked to stay at the very comfortable Kirkaig chalets which are situated right on the shore at Inverkirkaig.  After a hot day, the cool of the evening brought a wash of colour to the view over Loch Kirkaig.

It doesn't get truly dark during the summer in the north of Scotland; well past 2300 the sunset continued to smoulder below a crescent moon.  We sat out on the balcony into the late evening, absorbing the sights and sounds of the shoreline.  Conditions for the following day looked superb.