After leaving St Finans Isle we had a pleasant run down the narrow "tail" of Loch Shiel. Indeed, it's hard to know where the loch ends and the River Shiel begins.
Approaching Acharacle we saw a group of five Whooper Swans on the water - winter visitors to Scotland and quite late in leaving this year it seems - though a few pairs do breed in Scotland some years. Although we tried to give them a wide berth, the wary birds all put their heads up and turned as one to face into the breeze.
A few of the distinctive "whooping" calls and the birds accelerated into the wind.......
....to power up into the air; a graceful and beautiful sight. we could clearly hear the thrumming noise from their wings as the flight primaries rowed the air.
We cut around the side of the pier at Acharacle to land on a muddy strip next to a small slipway...it was time for second breakfast!
A short walk up the road to Acharacle village was enlivened with the sound of Willow Warblers and our first sighting of a Swallow this year - it seemed that the summer migrants were arriving in this part of Scotland before some of the winter visitors had left.
Second breakfast was purchased at David's Bakery and Cafe - hot roast beef rolls, beefburgers or home baking - it was all delicious and freshly prepared. We've used this cafe before and can thoroughly recommend it - there is fish and chips available in the evenings too. Nearby, a small shop offers the opportunity to re-stock with vital supplies and there is also a public toilet in the village - Acharacle is well worth the short diversion off the water on this trip!
Back on the water after fuelling up, it was immediately obvious from the insistent pull of the current that we'd now left Loch Shiel and were in the River Shiel.
Looks quite cold from the photos but probably why the sails are up to catch the breeze. Makes it nice and colourful though.
ReplyDeleteHi Bob, this was in a week that was actually warm....better than it's been since late April!
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